Various provision regarding gender equality
The Constitution of India contains various provisions, which provide for equal rights and opportunities for both men and women. The silent features are:-
The Constitution of India guarantees equality of gender and in fact grants special favours to women
These can be found in three articles of the Constitution
- Article 14 says that the government shall not deny to any person equality before law or the equal protection of the laws
- Article 15 declares that government shall not discriminate against any citizen on the ground of sex
- Article 15 (3) makes a special provision, enabling the State to make affirmative discriminations in favour of women
Above all, the Constitution imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen through Articles 15 (A) (e) to renounce the practices derogatory to the dignity of women
The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles of State Policy
The Constitution not only guarantees equality to women, but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women
India has also ratified various international conventions and human rights instruments committing to secure equal rights of women
Constitutional provisions for gender equality
The Constitution of India not only grants equality to women but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women for neutralising the cumulative socio economic, education and political disadvantages faced by them.
Fundamental Rights, among others, ensure equality before the law and equal protection of law prohibits discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, and guarantee equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating to employment.
Articles 14, 15, 15(3), 16, 39(a), 39(b), 39(c) and 42 of the Constitution are of specific importance in this regard
