We, the concerned citizens of the Republic of India, seek immediate legislative action to address the alarming prevalence of violence against women. We urge comprehensive reforms to ensure stricter penalties and enforceable protections against all forms of gender-based violence, including, but not limited to, marital rape.

Every third woman in India, since the age of 15 has faced domestic violence in its various forms. The persistence of violence against women, both within domestic spheres and in public, is a grave issue that threatens the safety, dignity, and rights of women across our nation. The exemption of certain acts like marital rape from being recognised as criminal under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) is symptomatic of broader legislative inadequacies that must be addressed.

Demands for Legislative Action:

1. Comprehensive Amendment to the Indian Penal Code: We advocate for sweeping reforms to the IPC to ensure that all forms of violence against women, including marital rape, are recognised as criminal offenses with commensurate penalties.

2. Establishment of Enhanced Support Systems: Increase funding for and establishment of shelters, counseling services, legal aid, and rehabilitation centres to support survivors of violence.

3. Implementation of Nationwide Awareness Campaigns: Launch extensive national campaigns to educate the public on the legal rights of women, the importance of consent, and the criminal nature of all forms of violence against women.

Strengthening Enforcement and Reporting Mechanisms: Ensure that law enforcement agencies are better trained and equipped to handle cases of violence against women, improving response times and sensitivity in handling such cases.

Our current legal framework inadequately protects women from violence, thereby failing to uphold the constitutional values of equality and justice. It is imperative that our laws reflect a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of violence against women, ensuring not only legal recourse but also promoting preventative measures.

We implore the Ministry of Law and Justice to lead this critical reform, ensuring that the legal system in India unambiguously protects the rights and well-being of women. We call upon all stakeholders, including legal practitioners, civil society organisations, and citizens, to support this petition and advocate for a safer, just, and equitable society for all women.