GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN INDIAN LAW: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR MEN
AUTHOR – AVNI BHATIA, SYMBIOSIS LAW SCHOOL, NOIDA
BEST CITATION – AVNI BHATIA, GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN INDIAN LAW: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR MEN, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (14) OF 2025, PG. 458-468, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/OFKC4097
ABSTRACT
The research examines the gender inequalities inherent in the Indian legal system specifically the factor of exclusion of males through the protection of domestic violence, sexual crimes and harassment in the workplace. Although the Indian laws, like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the Domestic Violence Act, and the POSH Act have played a key role in protecting women, they are mainly gender-oriented disregarding the female and LGBTQ+ victims. By examining the current laws, comparing international models, and applying case-study to it, this paper can see the structural bias that only sees men as attackers. It claims that the provisions of the law are one-sided and not only do not uphold the principle of equality under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, but also promote the stigmatization of society, which causes underreporting, psychological distress, and disenfranchisement of male victims. The research is based on the global practices in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, thus recommending the use of gender-neutral laws in India as an urgent practice. It suggests modifications in the criminal and family law, comprehensive safeguards in the workplace and domestic violence legislation, and national sensitization to eliminate the gender stereotypes. The paper concludes that true gender justice can only be achieved when laws are created to safeguard everyone regardless of gender on the nature of harm and not identity.
Keywords: Gender discrimination, Men’s rights, Legal reform, Gender-neutral Laws, Domestic violence, Sexual offences, Family Law, Workplace protections.