Women’s Empowerment & Justice Delivery: A UPSC-Centric Analysis
By Suryavanshi IAS
Why This Topic Matters for UPSC?
The case of Prajwal Revanna’s trial and the domestic worker’s fight for justice intersects with multiple UPSC themes:
GS Paper-II (Governance, Rights Issues, Judiciary)
GS Paper-I (Society, Women’s Issues)
Essay & Ethics (Justice, Gender Equality, Governance)
Recent debates on legal intimidation, survivor support, and systemic delays make this a high-priority area for Prelims, Mains, and Interviews.
Key Issues Highlighted
1. Justice vs. Power Asymmetry
Problem: Legal battles favor the powerful (delays, witness intimidation, social stigma).
Example: The domestic worker’s case shows how ordinary women face institutional barriers.
UPSC Link: Judicial reforms (GS-II), Access to Justice (Ethics).
2. Empowerment vs. Tokenism
Corporate feminism celebrates elite women but ignores grassroots struggles.
UPSC Link: SDG-5 (Gender Equality), Government schemes for women.
3. Post-Verdict Challenges
Survivors face economic ruin, social ostracization, and unemployment.
UPSC Link: Social Justice (GS-I), Legal Aid (GS-II).
UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims & Mains)
Prelims Questions (2017-2024)
Q1. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005, includes which of the following? (2023)
Economic abuse is a form of domestic violence.
Compensation for survivors.
Mandatory mediation before filing a case.
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
PWDVA covers economic abuse (Sec. 3) and compensation (Sec. 22).
Mediation is not mandatory (it can endanger survivors).
Q2. Which of the following is/are functions of the National Commission for Women (NCW)? (2021)
Legal intervention in cases of gender injustice.
Monitoring the POSH Act implementation.
Providing financial aid to survivors.
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
NCW can intervene legally and monitor POSH, but does not provide direct financial aid.
Mains Questions (GS-I, II, IV)
Q1. “Women’s empowerment in India remains an elite privilege.” Critically examine. (2022)
Approach:
Contrast corporate feminism (CEOs, awards) with grassroots struggles (domestic workers, farmers).
Discuss schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao vs. ground realities.
Suggest inclusive policies: legal aid, survivor employment.
Q2. “Justice delayed is justice denied.” Analyze this statement in the context of sexual harassment cases in India. (2020)
Approach:
Delays due to: Judicial backlog, witness intimidation, and procedural loopholes.
Solutions: Fast-track courts, victim protection, POSH Act reforms.
Government Schemes & Laws
| Scheme/Law | Key Feature | Gap Identified |
|---|---|---|
| POSH Act, 2013 | Mandates ICCs in workplaces | Poor enforcement, survivor stigma |
| PWDVA, 2005 | Covers emotional/economic abuse | Low awareness, weak implementation |
| Nirbhaya Fund | Supports women’s safety projects | Underutilized, bureaucratic delays |
Way Forward (Policy Recommendations)
Survivor Compensation Fund
Model: NALSA’s Victim Compensation Scheme, but dedicated to gender violence.
UPSC Link: Welfare Schemes (GS-II).
Legal Aid Cells
Special courts for sexual offenses (like Fast-Track Mahila Courts).
UPSC Link: Judicial Reforms (GS-II).
Employment Quotas
Example: Tamil Nadu’s 3% quota for acid attack survivors in govt jobs.
UPSC Link: Social Justice (GS-I).
Psychological Support
One-Stop Centers (OSCs) should include long-term counselling.
UPSC Link: Health (GS-II).
Ethics Perspective (GS-IV)
Moral Duty of State: To protect vulnerable witnesses.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Can fund survivor rehabilitation.
Quote for Essay: "Women who fight for justice deserve more than applause; they deserve a future."
Conclusion
The domestic worker’s victory is a milestone, but systemic reforms are needed to ensure:
Swift justice (reduce delays).
Post-trial support (jobs, counselling).
Inclusive empowerment (beyond elites).
For UPSC Aspirants:
Link this issue with SDGs, Judiciary, and Governance.
Use case studies (Nirbhaya, #MeToo) in answers.
Follow Suryavanshi IAS for more UPSC-focused analyses!
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