The Uses and Misuses of Women Protection Acts in India: An Analytical Study

Siddhartha Pandit, Vivek Kumar Gupta

Abstract: India has enacted various women protection laws to safeguard the rights and dignity of women, addressing issues such as domestic violence, dowry harassment, sexual harassment at the workplace, and others. These laws, while crucial for ensuring justice, have also been criticized for their misuse. This study explores both the uses and misuses of prominent women protection acts in India, using data collected from survey reports and questionnaire - based studies. Through statistical analysis and graphical presentations, the paper highlights how these laws have provided relief to women while also being exploited in certain cases for personal vendettas or false accusations. It examines major legislations like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), evaluating their impact on society and legal proceedings. The study concludes with suggestions for improving the effectiveness of these laws while reducing instances of misuse, balancing the need for protection and justice for all parties involved.

Keywords: Women protection acts, Misuse of laws, Section 498A IPC, Domestic violence law, Sexual harassment law, Legal reforms, False complaints, Judicial challenges, Law enforcement, Empirical data

How to Cite?: Siddhartha Pandit, Vivek Kumar Gupta, "The Uses and Misuses of Women Protection Acts in India: An Analytical Study", Volume 14 Issue 2, February 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 514-517, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25208110603, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25208110603