Udupi: Women must not only become financially independent but must also develop awareness about law and ensure that they are not deprived of justice in any situation said A V Chandrashekar High court Judge of Karnataka.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Legal awareness programme for Women organized by the Bar Association Udupi, Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development project Udupi, Women and child welfare department and City Municipal Council Udupi jointly at the Town Hall here on February 27.
The law provides every protection and right to women; it is for the women to understand what their privileges and rights are. The Constitution of India provides that every person is entitled for equality before law and equal protection of laws and thereby prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste, creed and sex.
There is no lack of enactments, but there has to be more awareness and implementation, especially in remote areas where women are uneducated, unaware of laws and do not have resources. Unfortunately, in many parts, women are not even aware that they are meant to be protected and respected.
For the benefit of women, several other Acts also exist such as Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 which provides for maternity leave. Even with respect to salary/wages, there cannot be discrimination between male and female workers performing same or similar work.
Noting that women were the most oppressed in society and lack of knowledge was the main reason for oppression. There is a need for knowledge about legal aspects which also boosts the self-confidence and gives courage to face any challenges, he added.
Shivashankar B Amarannanavar Municipal and district sessions judge presided over the programme. Dr Nikethana assistant professor Government first grade college and postgraduate research center Thenkanidiyoor, MK Vijaya Kumar Advocate Karkala, Mattar Rathnakar Hegde Advocate Udupi, Dayananda K president Bar Association, Renold Praveen Kumar Secretary, Purushotham K director SKDRP Udupi, D Manjunathayya Commissioner CMC Udupi were present.
