Under the Bhopal Police Commissionerate’s flagship ‘Srijan’ initiative aimed at women’s safety, awareness, and empowerment, an indoor class on women-related laws was held on Monday, attended by 79 participants, including 20 boys and 7 parents. The session began with a recap of the previous class. Resource person Arvind Kumar Singh, Advocate, DALSA (Defense Counsel-Deputy Chief Legal), explained that the Constitution grants equal rights to women and men under Articles 14 and 15, ensuring equality before the law. He highlighted key legislations like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and Hindu Succession Act, 1956, which ensures daughters’ equal property rights. Women also have equal voting rights. Under Articles 32 and 226, individuals can approach courts for fundamental rights violations.

 

The Directive Principles of State Policy advocate equal pay, justice, and economic independence. Singh discussed post-Nirbhaya case legal reforms, the National Commission for Women, and key provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, relevant to women and children. He elaborated on the role of Family Courts and the District Legal Services Authority (DALSA), noting Bhopal’s four Family Courts have eased case hearings.

 

The Maternity Benefit Act provides six months’ paid leave, while the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2012, addresses serious offenses, establishing complaint mechanisms like Internal and Local Complaints Committees. Singh shared landmark case judgments favoring women and clarified doubts raised by participants. He emphasized DALSA’s free legal aid for those earning under Rs 2 lakh annually, inviting children to visit DALSA. The State and National Legal Services Authorities were also discussed. In the outdoor session, Anshu Rajawat conducted physical exercises, teaching unarmed combat techniques like single, double, triple, four, and five punches.