India has various legal provisions and government initiatives to protect women from violence and discrimination. Key legislation includes the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Acts of 2013 and 2018. These laws address domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of violence against women, providing both civil and criminal remedies. In addition, the Indian Constitution guarantees equality, prohibits discrimination, and mandates special provisions for women's welfare.

Key Legal Frameworks:

• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005:

This act provides a range of civil and criminal remedies to women experiencing domestic violence, including protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief.

• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:

This law aims to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace, requiring employers to establish internal committees for redressal and providing a framework for reporting and resolving complaints.

• Criminal Law (Amendment) Acts, 2013 and 2018:

These amendments to the Indian Penal Code and other criminal laws introduced stricter penalties for sexual offenses, including provisions for time-bound investigations and trials.

• Constitutional Provisions:

The Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law, prohibits discrimination based on sex, and empowers the state to make special provisions for women.

• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961:

This act prohibits the giving or taking of dowry, addressing a major source of violence and harassment against women.

• Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986:

This law aims to prevent the indecent representation of women in advertisements and other media.

• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006:

This act prohibits child marriage, protecting children, particularly girls, from its harmful consequences.

Government Initiatives:

• Nirbhaya Fund:

The government has established the Nirbhaya Fund to finance projects aimed at enhancing the safety and security of women.

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:

This initiative focuses on preventing gender-biased sex selection, ensuring the survival and protection of the girl child, and promoting her education and participation.

• Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences:

The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched this online tool to monitor and track time-bound investigations in sexual assault cases.

• National Database on Sexual Offenders:

This database helps law enforcement agencies in investigating and tracking sexual offenders.

NHRCCB Women Protection Cell aims Efforts are being made to raise awareness about women's rights and legal protections, including through legal literacy programs and campaigns. Organizations are encouraged to create safe and inclusive work environments, implementing policies and procedures to prevent harassment and discrimination. Addressing women's safety requires a multi-pronged approach, involving community participation, law enforcement, and support systems across the nation in support of NHRCCB Volunteer/ Member/ Officer. For the implementation different laws related to women rights as per Indian Constitution, NHRCCB established a separate Constituent unit or cell named “NHRCCB Women Protection Cell” with independent managing committee.