Re-read the storyboard on how a new law on domestic violence got passed. Describe in your own words the different ways in which women’s groups worked to make this happen.
Domestic violence against women was very common in India in the early 1990s. Throughout the 1990s, the need for a new law was raised in different forums like Public meetings and women’s organizations. In 1999, Lawyers Collective, a group of lawyers, law students, and activists, after nation-wide consultations took the lead in drafting the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill. This draft bill was widely circulated. Meetings were held all over the country supporting the introduction of this Act.
The Bill was first introduced in Parliament in 2002, but it was not to the satisfaction of all. Several women’s organizations, like the National Commission for Women, made submissions to the Parliamentary Standing Committee requesting changes in the Bill. In December 2002, after reviewing the request made by the National Commission for Women, the Parliamentary Standing Committee submitted its recommendations to the Rajya Sabha and these were also tabled in the Lok Sabha. The Committee’s report accepted most of the demands of the women’s groups.
Finally, a new Bill was reintroduced in Parliament in 2005. After being passed in both houses of Parliament, it was sent to the President for his assent. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act came into effect in 2006.
Work of women groups on getting the law of domestic violence passed:
- Hearing complaints by the victims of domestic violence.
- Need for new law was raised at different forums.
- Lawyers collectively with law students and activities drafted the Domestic violence. (Prevention and Protection) Bill. This was widely circulated.
- Women’s movement for the introduction of the Bill in Parliament.
- Introduction of Bill in Parliament.
- Opposition to the Bill.
- Referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee.
- In December 2002, recommendations of the Standing Committee after incorporation of amendments as per women’s groups.
- Reintroduction of Amended Bill.
- Passed by both the houses.
- Assent of the President of India.
- Protection of women from Domestic Violence Act came into effect in 2006.