Ethics: Social-Institutional Bias Against Women in legal cases

Why in News:

• A study from Haryana, analyzing over 400,000 FIRs, indicates that women face a ‘multi-stage’ discrimination in the legal process.

Societal and Institutional Biases

• Women as primary complainants in violence cases are less likely to see their FIRs registered.
• Women’s cases are more often dismissed or result in acquittals.

• Anecdotal evidence and reports confirm that women’s complaints are frequently not taken seriously by police.
• There is a pervasive belief that women exaggerate or misuse law. It is even a sentiment echoed in some recent judicial comments, which is not true. 

Way Forward:

• The number of women in the police force is extremely low (11.7%) and needs to be increased.
• Sensitization and training throughout the justice system, from local police stations to the courts, are crucial for addressing this issue.