ARE LAWS IN INDIA REALLY GENDER NEUTRAL?

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is often referred to as the heart and soul of the Constitution of India. It enshrines the values of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity. Equality, as mentioned in the Constitutions, transcends the boundaries of formal equality and expands to address the gaps owing to the historical disadvantage and ensuring equal status and opportunity for all. Considering that woman have been at a disadvantage since ages, the Indian law has made significant strides in protecting women through gender-specific legislation. However, the current legal discourse is increasingly being confronted by questions that whether gender-biased treatment should be constitutionally valid or the new call is for the enforcement of gender-neutral laws in India.