"The lockdown has itself created psychological issues and violence within the family. Women have been burdened with more work; children have been unable to go to schools...One of the critical areas which has come to our notice was rising violence within the family itself," said Supreme Court judge Justice N V Ramana at a webinar conducted on June 4, 2020. The judge at the apex court was speaking during his keynote speech at the release of ' Handbook of Formats: Ensuring Effective Legal Services ’. As India entered Lockdown 5.0 or Unlock 1.0, as some call it, the event highlighted a critical trend during the lockdown -- an increase in cases of violence with the family, especially against women. Justice Ramana, also executive chairman of National Legal Services Authority, pointed out the effect the pandemic has had on the rights and safety of women in the country. It was a regular Tuesday evening. As everyone went about their usual chores at a crowded chawl in Mumba...
It’s only recently that stalking is being discussed in the purview of crimes against women. For years, members of the public, even authorities, weren’t aware of the term and the gravity of the act. Amendments in the law and awareness through media and films have put the spotlight on stalking as a serious offence and is now being talked in legal and social debates. For the common man, stalking is a harmless and innocuous act. However, it’s only the victim who can give a perfect account of how stalking can affect one’s life. Take for instance the recent case of a school principal in south Mumbai who has accused another woman of stalking her since five years and making her life hell. There have been several instances where women being stalked had to change jobs, relocate to a new place or even change identity to keep a ‘crazy’ stalker at bay. There are myriad Bollywood films that show how following a girl, despite her displeasure, gets the girl to like you. The Indian film industr...