SC seeks response from Centre on Women’s Reservation Bill

The National Federation of Indian Women filed a public interest litigation (PIL) on Friday asking for the revival of the “Women’s Reservation Bill,” which lapsed in Parliament eight years ago. The Supreme Court (SC) sought a response from the Central government.

Justices Sanjiv Khanna and JK Maheshwari’s bench heard the case in March of this year and ordered the Centre to respond within six weeks. They also provided the petitioner three further weeks to respond to the affidavit that the Ministry of Law and Justice was required to prepare.

“Patriarchal mindset of our society has led to the oppression of women denying them their rightful status as equals. This can only be changed if women are placed in positions of authority to effectively bring about such alterations,” read the PIL drafted by advocate Prashant Bhushan representing the petitioner

“The non-introduction of the Bill is arbitrary, illegal and is leading to discrimination,” the plea read. “Although equality of the sexes is enshrined in the Constitution, it has not become a reality even in the 75th year of Indian independence. Women represent almost 50% of the population of India but their representation in the Parliament is only about 14%,” it stated.

The evils of misogyny that exhibit in the form of rapes, outraging of modesty, eve-teasing, honour killings etc. Stem from the false notion of male superiority and authority over women and until such authority is not granted to women through concrete measures such as including more women in the Parliament, there will be no effective change in the present set up, further reads the petition.

In its judgment dated September 5, the same bench had instructed the petitioner to deliver a copy of the plea to the Centre as well, noting that it is a “important issue.” The bench sent a notice to the Center on Friday (Nov. 4) asking for its position.

In 2010, the Rajya Sabha approved the Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2008, also referred to as the “Women’s Reservation Bill.” The law, however, lapsed in 2014 after the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha.

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