Now Reading: Jayana Kothari on gender equality and landmark legal battles
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Jayana Kothari on gender equality and landmark legal battles
Supreme Court litigator Jayana Kothari has spoken about her work fighting for gender equality, disability rights and the rights of transgender persons, arguing that women are not the property of their husbands…
Supreme Court litigator Jayana Kothari has spoken about her work fighting for gender equality, disability rights and the rights of transgender persons, arguing that women are not the property of their husbands and calling for the removal of the marital rape exception. Founder of the Centre for Law and Policy Research, she has 25 years of litigation experience.
Kothari reflected on representing women, persons with disabilities and transgender communities in landmark cases that challenged deeply rooted inequalities. She also discussed the continuing challenges around domestic violence and the need to change outdated assumptions around gender identity. Her cases have changed her own understanding of equality and justice.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The marital rape exception, which exempts husbands from prosecution for rape within marriage, has been challenged in multiple high courts and the Supreme Court. The central government has opposed its removal, arguing it could destabilise marriage. Kothari's call adds to a growing legal push: the Delhi High Court is hearing a batch of petitions seeking to strike down the exception. A verdict could set a nationwide precedent on whether marital rape becomes a criminal offence under Indian law.
Source: newindianexpress.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
