Women-only Courts to Be Set Up in Villages Across India
The Indian government has announced plans to set up women-only courts in villages across the country for alternative dispute resolution.
The courts will be set up as part of a pilot project in 50 villages each in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir. If successful, the project will be extended to other parts of the country.
The women-only courts will be staffed by female judges and mediators known as Nyaya Sakhis (legal friends). The head of the court will be called the Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi (chief legal friend).
They will hear cases related to domestic violence, property rights, and other issues that disproportionately affect women. The courts will also provide legal aid and counseling to women who need it. The tenure of the head will be generally six months after which a new one will be selected.
The Nari Adalat of each village will have seven to nine members – half of which would be the elected members of the gram panchayat while the other half will include teachers, doctors, and social workers – who would be nominated by the villagers.
The government hopes that the women-only courts will provide a safe and supportive environment for women to seek justice. The courts are also seen as a way to address the patriarchal attitudes that often prevent women from accessing justice.
The pilot project is being funded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti. The ministry has said that it is committed to providing equal access to justice for all women, regardless of their gender, caste, or religion.
The setting up of women-only courts is a welcome initiative. It is a step towards ensuring that women have equal access to justice and that their voices are heard. The courts are also seen as a way to challenge the patriarchal attitudes that often prevent women from accessing justice.
The success of the pilot project will depend on a number of factors, including the training of the judges and mediators, the availability of legal aid, and the willingness of women to use the courts. However, if the project is successful, it could have a significant impact on the lives of women in India.
