Petition to the Government Regarding the Shakti Law by the Team of the Play Purush

What exactly is the Shakti Law?
In order to ensure swift action on complaints of atrocities against women and children and to provide speedy punishment to offenders, the Maharashtra Government unanimously passed the Shakti Law (Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law (Maharashtra Amendment) Act – 2020) in 2020. However, due to the absence of the President’s assent, this law has not yet been implemented.

Our (Team Purush) Stand:
In playwright Jaywant Dalvi’s play Purush, the central female character, Ambika, is a victim of the patriarchal system passed down through generations. She is oppressed, and her struggle to preserve her own independence is unacceptable to that system. Her reactions to unfolding events may seem unconstitutional to some, but they are entirely honest and natural.

There are countless such “Ambikas” around us—silent sufferers who may suddenly erupt like a volcano.

We believe that theatre is not merely a means of entertainment but also a medium powerful enough to uplift society. Through this medium, we demand that the Shakti Law be implemented immediately for the sake of these many “Ambikas.”

We respect the right of all women to justice. We believe they have the right to live in a safe environment. The staging of this play itself is our contribution toward that stand.

Alongside, we appeal to all our audience members to sign the attached petition in support of the Shakti Law and to demand from the government the creation of a safe and just system for the next generation.

Let us unite, let us be equal.

Thank you!