A Courtroom Remark That Went Viral

Y Babji

In a democracy, even an unguarded remark from a constitutional authority can echo louder than a judicial order and ignite unrest far beyond the courtroom. A careless word spoken from a constitutional chair may fade from the courtroom record, but it can survive indefinitely in public memory.

A Remark That Sparked

India’s digital public sphere has witnessed many political trends, memes and online movements, but few have erupted as suddenly and dramatically as the so-called “Cockroach Janata Party”. What began as a courtroom observation by the Chief Justice of India soon transformed into a nationwide social media phenomenon, sparking debates on judicial language, freedom of expression, youth frustration, political satire and democratic sensitivity.

The controversy traces its origin to oral observations reportedly made by Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing in May 2026. During the proceedings, the CJI allegedly referred to certain unemployed youth and activists as “cockroaches” and “parasites” while criticizing what he considered irresponsible activism and misuse of professional spaces. The comments quickly spread across television debates, YouTube channels, X (Twitter), Instagram reels and WhatsApp groups.

Cockroach Janata Party

The reaction was immediate and explosive. Thousands of young people, especially Gen Z users already frustrated with unemployment, paper leaks, rising competition and shrinking opportunities, interpreted the remarks as unmindful, insensitive and humiliating. Within hours, memes flooded social media platforms. Soon afterward emerged the “Cockroach Janata Party”, not as a formal political party, but as a satirical digital movement mocking elitism, institutional arrogance and political disconnect.

The creator associated with the movement was reported to be Abhijeet Dipke, a public relations student linked in media reports to previous communication work connected with political campaigns of Aam Admi Party. What started as sarcasm rapidly evolved into a structured online campaign complete with logos, slogans, manifesto-style statements, digital membership forms and viral hashtags such as “Main Bhi Cockroach”, just like #IndiaAgainstCorruption, #MeToo, #FarmersProtest etc

Social Media and the Politics of Satire         

The movement’s popularity demonstrated the extraordinary power of social media in converting outrage into organised symbolism. According to various reports, the platform reportedly gathered thousands of registrations within two days and amassed massive engagement on Instagram and X. Some online discussions even claimed follower counts running into several lakhs, though the exact numbers remain difficult to independently verify.

The “Cockroach Janata Party” also revealed a deeper sociological reality: satire has become the language of political resistance among digitally connected youth. Unlike traditional political mobilisation through rallies or unions, Gen Z increasingly expresses dissent through memes, parody accounts, viral slogans and symbolic online communities.

The Judicial Dimension

However, the controversy intensified further because the issue involved the office of the Chief Justice of India, one of the highest constitutional positions in the country. Many legal experts argued that judges, especially constitutional authorities, must exercise extraordinary restraint in oral observations because every word uttered in court carries institutional weight. Unlike ordinary public speeches, courtroom remarks are amplified instantly in the age of smartphones and live legal reporting.

Sensing the growing backlash, the Chief Justice later issued a clarification. He stated that his remarks had been “misquoted” and clarified that his criticism was directed only at persons entering professions through “fake and bogus degrees,” not at India’s unemployed youth as a whole. He further emphasized that the youth of India are the “pillars of a developed India.”

Clarification Too Late

Yet, by then, the damage had arguably already been done. In public communication, perception often travels faster than clarification. The original phrase had already become emotionally embedded in public discourse. Critics argued that even if the remarks were contextual, the use of dehumanizing expressions such as “cockroaches” by a constitutional authority appeared inappropriate and insensitive. Supporters of the CJI, on the other hand, maintained that the controversy was amplified by selective reporting and social media distortion.

Political Fallout

Politically, the controversy carries implications beyond the judiciary. Although the remarks were judicial observations and not governmental statements, online narratives gradually linked the issue with broader anti-establishment sentiment. Opposition voices and digital activists used the controversy to reinforce arguments that institutions were becoming disconnected from ordinary citizens, especially unemployed youth.

This may potentially create discomfort for the ruling establishment because public anger on unemployment, competitive examinations, inflation and institutional trust can easily merge into broader political dissatisfaction. Satirical movements often become symbolic umbrellas under which multiple grievances accumulate. The ruling party may therefore face indirect reputational consequences, even without formal involvement in the controversy.

For opposition parties, however, such moments become politically advantageous. They provide emotional narratives capable of energizing younger voters, especially urban digital audiences. The “Cockroach Janata Party” itself may not become a real electoral force, but its symbolism can influence public mood, online conversations and anti-establishment discourse.

Global Echoes

Interestingly, the phenomenon also demonstrated how rapidly digital movements can transcend national borders. Reports and discussions about the movement surfaced among Indian diaspora communities in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Gulf and other Asian countries where large Indian youth populations actively participate in Indian political discussions online.

While actual country-wise support figures remain unofficial and unverifiable, the movement undeniably gained international digital visibility through diaspora engagement and global social media circulation.

A Lesson in Democratic Communication

The episode also raises larger concerns about communication in constitutional spaces. In earlier decades, many oral remarks made in courtrooms disappeared into silence because proceedings were not instantly amplified. Today, every observation can become a headline, meme or political slogan within minutes. This transformation demands greater caution not only from politicians but also from judges, bureaucrats, academics and public intellectuals.

Ultimately, the “Cockroach Janata Party” is less about insects or satire and more about democratic communication. It reflects how deeply language matters in public life. A single remark, even if unintended or contextual, can trigger nationwide emotional responses when citizens already feel unheard or anxious.

The controversy is therefore a lesson for all institutions of democracy: authority commands respect, but language sustains legitimacy. In the digital era, even an obiter dictum can become a political storm.

 

Words, Restraint and Judicial Responsibility

Judicial words carry weight, so does restraint.

Advocate Y Babji

During a Supreme Court hearing on May 15, 2026, Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant made oral observations regarding unemployed individuals, social media activism and people misusing the legal system. 

His exact oral remarks, which sparked widespread outrage and debate, were: "There are already parasites of society who attack the system and you want to join hands with them? There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don't get any employment or have any place in [the] profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, some of them become RTI activists... and they start attacking everyone."

The controversy surrounding Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s remarks about RTI activists, journalists and social media users is more than a passing courtroom episode. The public reaction arose not only from the language used, but also from the perception that democratic voices were being spoken of dismissively.

At the same time, it is equally important to recognize that judges are also human beings. They function under immense pressure, dealing daily with excessive litigation, misuse of legal processes, online criticism and social tensions that increasingly spill into courtrooms. At times, judges express their anguish and frustration over what they perceive as the decline of standards in public life. Such remarks are often made spontaneously during hearings and may fall within the category of obiter dictum i.e. observations that are not central to the final legal ruling, but are personal or contextual comments made by the court.

However, even obiter dicta from constitutional courts carry enormous public significance because judicial observations influence public discourse and institutional credibility. Judges certainly have the right to speak candidly about problems affecting society, but the authority of the judiciary depends not only on the correctness of its judgments, but also on the balance, restraint and dignity with which it communicates. When broad or harsh remarks are directed at entire groups, the language itself can overshadow the original concern.

The Chief Justice later clarified that his comments were aimed at individuals who entered professions through fake or bogus degrees and not at India’s youth or genuine public-interest activists. The clarification was necessary and welcome. Yet, in public life, especially in the judiciary, people often remember the original remark more strongly than the explanation that follows.

This episode should therefore encourage a wider discussion about institutional communication and democratic accountability. The Right to Information regime has emerged as one of the most powerful tools available to the common citizen in independent India. RTI transformed governance by challenging the culture of secrecy inherited from the colonial era, where official information was treated as the property of the state rather than the right of the people. Without RTI activists and whistle-blowers, much of the official secrecy that survived from the British administrative legacy would have remained untouched.

It is true that some individuals may misuse the RTI mechanism or pursue publicity-driven activism. But isolated misuse cannot diminish the larger democratic value of transparency. Genuine whistle-blowers and public-interest activists perform an essential role in exposing corruption, maladministration and abuse of power. Similarly, journalists continue to act as an important bridge between institutions and the public by questioning authority and promoting accountability. Democracies become stronger not when criticism is silenced, but when institutions are mature enough to engage with scrutiny constructively.

The larger lesson is simple. Judges must remain honest and firm and society must also appreciate the pressures under which they function. But judicial strength ultimately lies in measured expression. Institutions do not become weaker by choosing their words carefully; they become stronger because public trust grows when authority is exercised with restraint, wisdom and composure.

 

Legal Risks of Illegal Construction

Y Babji, Advocate
High Court for the State of Telangana
& Supreme Court of India

In rapidly expanding urban neighbourhoods of Hyderabad, a disturbing pattern is becoming increasingly common. Landowners obtain permission for a modest independent residential building, typically a stilt floor for parking and two or three upper floors—but subsequently enter into private arrangements with builders or contractors to construct additional floors, squeeze in extra dwelling units, reduce mandatory setbacks, or encroach upon road margins and common passages, all in pursuit of quick profits. Flats are then sold to unsuspecting middle-class buyers who invest their life savings, often supported by bank finance, under the belief that the project is fully lawful and compliant with municipal regulations.

The real problems begin only after construction is completed or sometimes even while the construction is in progress. Buyers discover that the promised Occupancy Certificate (OC) is unavailable, electricity and water connections are delayed or denied, banks refuse mortgage approvals, registration of undivided share becomes problematic and resale of the flat becomes nearly impossible. Residents may also face insufficient parking, lack of fire safety compliance, blocked ventilation, poor structural stability, leaking sewage lines and absence of legally approved drainage connectivity.

Neighbouring property owners face a different set of hardships. They may suffer loss of privacy due to zero setbacks, obstruction of sunlight and natural airflow, cracks in compound walls caused by deep excavations, blockage of access roads by construction materials, encroachment into road-widening areas, obstruction of storm-water drains leading to flooding, illegal dumping of construction debris and severe traffic congestion in already narrow residential lanes. In many cases, such disputes escalate into police complaints, municipal inspections, civil litigation, writ petitions and prolonged neighbourhood hostility.

What begins as a “private understanding” between a landowner and a contractor often transforms into a serious public law issue involving municipal authorities, fire services, utility agencies, financial institutions, courts and aggrieved citizens. It is therefore essential for landowners, builders, buyers and residents alike to understand that a building permission is not merely a procedural formality, but a statutory covenant rooted in public safety, urban planning and the rule of law.

Unauthorized construction in violation of permissions granted by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation or any of the newly created 3 Corporations in Hyderabad can attract serious civil, criminal, financial and administrative consequences under the Telangana State Building Permission Approval and Self-Certification System Act, 2020 (TG-bPASS Act), the GHMC Act, 1955 and the Comprehensive Building Rules, 2012. No private agreement, however profitable, can override statutory building norms. The legal consequences are often severe, continuing, and in many cases, irreversible.

1. Void Agreements

Under Sections 10, 23, and 24 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, any agreement whose object or consideration is unlawful such as constructing extra floors, reducing mandatory setbacks or encroaching upon public roads is void ab initio. Agreements intended to defeat municipal laws or public policy are unenforceable because they are void. Further, unlicensed contractors or persons acting without statutory qualifications may lack legal standing to enforce contractual claims.

2. Court Challenges

Affected parties including neighbours, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), apartment owners or concerned citizens may approach constitutional courts by filing writ petitions under Article 226 of the Constitution of India or Public Interest Litigations before the High Court or the Supreme Court, challenging violations of municipal laws, public safety norms and planning regulations. Buyers who have been misled may also seek remedies under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for misrepresentation, deficiency of service or unfair trade practices.

3. Municipal Enforcement

Municipal authorities possess extensive statutory powers to deal with unauthorized constructions.

Stop Work Notices / Sealing: If deviations such as excess floors, missing setbacks, unauthorized coverage or non-compliance with sanctioned plans are detected, authorities may issue immediate stop-work notices, seal the premises or prohibit further construction under the GHMC Act and TG-bPASS Act.

Demolition Orders: Unauthorized constructions are liable for demolition. Courts, including the Supreme Court and the Telangana High Court, have repeatedly upheld demolition of illegal constructions and recovery of demolition costs from the violators.

No Occupancy Certificate (OC): Even if construction is physically completed, authorities may refuse to issue an Occupancy Certificate. Without an OC, water supply, sewerage connection, electricity, mutation of property records and lawful sale transactions may become impossible.

4. Road Widening and Setback Violations

Where the abutting road width is less than 30 feet, road-widening provisions become mandatory under Rule 4(a) of G.O.Ms.No.168. Builders are required to leave the prescribed area from the road centre line in addition to mandatory front setbacks. The permissible built-up area is calculated only after deducting road-affected areas, master plan reservations, utility corridors and mandatory setbacks. Any construction beyond these limits amounts to a statutory violation.

5. Structural Safety and Criminal Liability

Every multi-storeyed or apartment construction must be designed, supervised and certified by licensed engineers and qualified structural professionals in accordance with the Comprehensive Building Rules, 2012, the National Building Code of India and municipal regulations. Construction undertaken without such professional oversight exposes occupants to serious safety risks. If structural failure results in injury or death, the landowner, builder, contractor and responsible professionals may face criminal prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (IPC) for negligence and other penal offences.

6. Fire Safety Compliance

Fire safety is governed by the Telangana Fire Service Act, 1999, the National Building Code, 2016, the TG-bPASS Act and municipal regulations. Key compliance requirements include obtaining Fire No Objection Certificates for buildings exceeding prescribed heights, maintaining adequate setbacks for fire tender movement, providing emergency escape staircases, installing firefighting systems and obtaining certified fire safety designs. Non-compliance may result in refusal of Occupancy Certificate, sealing of the premises and civil or criminal prosecution.

7. Environmental and Utility Violations

Illegal constructions frequently violate environmental norms by blocking natural drains, discharging construction debris into public spaces, damaging sewer lines or obstructing public utilities. Such acts may attract action under municipal nuisance laws, environmental protection regulations and construction and demolition waste management rules.

8. Financial Risks

Banks and financial institutions generally refuse housing loans or mortgage facilities for properties lacking approved plans, completion certificates or Occupancy Certificates. Sub-Registrar offices may flag such properties, making future registration, resale, transfer or marketability highly uncertain. Buyers may find themselves owning an asset that is physically standing but legally vulnerable.

9. Special Enforcement Mechanisms

Special enforcement agencies such as HYDRAA and municipal vigilance wings actively monitor encroachments on roads, lakes, nalas, public utility corridors and master plan reservations. Courts have consistently held that public safety, planned development and environmental protection take precedence over private investments or completed constructions.

Summary of Risks

No private agreement however lucrative, convenient or mutually beneficial can override statutory building norms. Unauthorized construction is treated as a continuing offence. What may initially appear to be a profitable deviation can ultimately lead to litigation, demolition, criminal prosecution, financial loss, denial of civic amenities and irreversible hardship for owners, buyers and the community at large.

In matters of urban development, compliance is not optional. It is the foundation of lawful ownership, public safety and sustainable city living. Roads indicate culture, but buildings indicate the conscience of cities and the civilization.

 

PR: The Fifth Pillar of Democracy

Bridging the Constitution, the State and the Citizen

Y Babji

In modern democracies, three formal organs of the State i.e. the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are recognised as the constitutional pillars that safeguard governance, policy-making and justice. In India, the media is widely regarded as the “fourth pillar” because of its role in informing citizens and holding power accountable.

Against this established framework, Public Relations deserves recognition as the fifth pillar of democracy. Though not expressly mentioned in the Constitution, PR plays a vital structural and ethical role by connecting institutions of power with the people. It enables communication, participation, trust and understanding, without which democracy cannot truly flourish.

While the concept of the four pillars of democracy is globally recognised, describing Public Relations as the Fifth Pillar is largely an Indian narrative championed by Public Relations Society of India (PRSI). The idea was initially mooted by Dr. C. V. Narasimha Reddi, a veteran public relations professional and former President of the PRSI, along with other PR leaders during the 1990s.

In the early 2000s, Dr. Ajit Pathak formally adopted it as the theme for one of the National Public Relations Day celebrations. This year, at his call, the concept is being reaffirmed by PRSI across its chapters on 21 April.

Constitutional Pillars

The Constitution of India distributes power among three principal institutions. Legislative authority rests with Parliament and the State Legislatures (Articles 245–255). Executive power is vested in the President, Governors and Councils of Ministers (Articles 53 and 74). Judicial authority lies with the Supreme Court, High Courts and Subordinate Courts (Articles 124–147).

The Indian Constitution does not use the phrase “Pillars of Democracy” for Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. However, it is a doctrine of 3 branches that comes from separation of powers, a principle from Montesquieu’s political theory. India adopted this idea.

This separation of powers prevents concentration of authority and promotes checks and balances. Laws are made democratically, implemented administratively and interpreted independently. Yet, constitutional design alone cannot ensure that citizens understand these institutions or trust their functioning. Democracy requires communication and that is where PR becomes indispensable.

Media as Fourth Pillar

Although the Constitution does not explicitly describe the media either as a Pillar or an Estate, its importance arises from Article 19(1)(a), which guarantees freedom of speech and expression. Courts have repeatedly recognised that this includes freedom of the press.

The media informs citizens, exposes abuse of power and creates public scrutiny of governments and institutions. This watchdog function earned it the title of the “fourth pillar.” However, information by itself does not always produce understanding, trust or engagement. Facts must also be explained, contextualised and communicated meaningfully.

Why PR is the Fifth Pillar

Public Relations, in a democratic context, is the systematic management of communication between the State and the People. It is far more than publicity or image-building. At its best, PR creates two-way communication, encourages dialogue, builds confidence and explains governance in the languages that citizens can understand.

In a country as vast and diverse as India with multiple languages, varied literacy levels and differing regional realities, PR translates constitutional ideals into practical awareness. Public campaigns on voting rights, health missions, digital governance, local self-government and welfare schemes all depend on effective PR systems.

Thus, PR transforms democracy from a constitutional structure into a lived experience.

Bridge Between Power and People

The Legislature enacts laws, the Executive implements programmes and the Judiciary protects rights. But none of these institutions can function effectively if citizens remain uninformed, confused or alienated. PR fills this gap by:

1. Simplifying policies into citizen-friendly communication.

2. Creating feedback channels through which public opinion reaches policymakers.

3. Building trust through regular, transparent and responsible communication.

When practised ethically, PR prevents communication from being monopolised by partisan interests or concentrated media ownership. It broadens access to information through regional languages, digital tools and community outreach.

Constitutional Values in Action

Though PR is not expressly named in the Constitution, it gives life to several constitutional values. The Preamble promises liberty of thought and expression. Articles 19 and 21 have been interpreted to include access to information and dignity in public life.

PR supports these values by:

a) Disseminating information about government functioning fairly and widely.

b) Promoting civic education so that citizens can vote responsibly and participate meaningfully.

c) Supporting grievance redressal systems and public consultations.

d) Encouraging dialogue rather than one-way administration.

In this sense, Public Relations humanises governance.

Correcting Media Excesses

The media remains indispensable, but it is not immune to sensationalism, commercial pressure or political bias. Paid news, selective narratives and misinformation can distort public understanding, but professional PR can provide balance by:

1. Releasing accurate facts and timely clarifications.

2. Presenting policies in evidence-based language.

3. Engaging with communities and local media to correct misunderstandings.

4. Offering context that enables informed debate.

Public Relations does not replace the watchdog role of the Media; it strengthens it by ensuring access to credible information.

PR and Accountability

Accountability lies at the heart of constitutional democracy. Judicial review, legislative oversight and administrative responsibility all depend on public awareness. Citizens can hold institutions accountable only when they know what is being done in their name. Public Relations advances accountability through:

1) Public awareness campaigns

2) Transparency portals

3) Social media engagement

4) Budget explanations

5) Scheme outreach

6) Grievance tracking systems

7) Citizen consultations

When budgets, reforms, works, welfare measures and institutional decisions are communicated clearly, scrutiny becomes easier and democracy becomes stronger.

Towards Fifth-Pillar Status

For PR to be fully recognised as the fifth pillar of democracy, the profession must rise above mere publicity and embrace ethical nation-building. This requires:

a) Training in constitutional values, media law and digital literacy.

b) Government communication based on neutrality, transparency and accessibility.

c) Corporate and civil society PR grounded in honesty and social responsibility.

d) Professional standards that value dialogue over Advertising & Propaganda.

When these principles are followed, PR becomes not just a profession, but a democratic institution.

Conclusion

India’s democracy is commonly seen as resting on four pillars viz., the Legislature, Executive, Judiciary and Media. Yet these pillars cannot stand firmly if they remain disconnected from the people.

Public Relations provides the essential link between institutions and citizens. It informs, explains, listens, engages and builds trust. It gives practical meaning to constitutional rights and ensures that democracy is not merely written in law, but understood and experienced in daily life.

For this reason, Public Relations deserves recognition as the Fifth Pillar of Democracy, the living bond between the Constitution, the State and the citizen. It is a professional claim to highlight the role of Public Relations in two-way communication, transparency and pubic consent.

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May also see this at https://prsi.org.in/2026/04/20/harmony-april-2026/ 

IWD: Empowering Women, Enriching Humanity

Y Babji, Editor, Public Relations Voice

Each year on 8 March, the world unites to observe International Women’s Day (IWD), a day that celebrates women’s achievements while renewing the global commitment to gender equality. More than ceremonial events and social media messages, the day serves as a reminder that women’s rights are fundamental human rights and that gender equality is essential for sustainable progress and social justice.

Historical Origins

International Women’s Day traces its roots to the early twentieth century, a time marked by social reform movements, labour struggles and campaigns for women’s suffrage.

Several milestones shaped its evolution:

• 1908: Thousands of women workers in New York marched demanding better working conditions, fair wages and voting rights.
• 1910: At the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin, a German activist and advocate for women’s rights, proposed the idea of an annual international day dedicated to women’s struggles and achievements.
• 1911: The first International Women’s Day was observed across several European countries.
• 1917: Russian women staged a historic strike demanding “Bread and Peace,” which later contributed to the recognition of 8 March as Women’s Day.
• 1975: The United Nations officially began observing International Women’s Day during the International Women’s Year.
• 1977: The UN encouraged member states to formally recognise the day as a global observance.

Over time, International Women’s Day evolved from labour protests into a global platform for policy dialogue, advocacy and celebration of women’s contributions across society.

Purple became the symbolic colour associated with IWD, representing justice, dignity, and the struggle for equality. Wearing purple on this day signifies solidarity with women around the world.

The United Nations has announced the official theme for International Women’s Day 2026 as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The global campaign theme is “Give to Gain.” The campaign emphasises a powerful principle. It means, when societies invest in women, everyone benefits. Empowering women is not a loss to others. Rather, it is a collective gain that strengthens families, communities and economies.

The campaign theme highlights three core ideas: (1) Giving Support: Providing education, mentorship, opportunities and resources for women (2) Giving Recognition: Acknowledging women’s contributions in social, economic, scientific and political spheres and (3) Giving Opportunities: Ensuring equal access to leadership, innovation and decision-making roles.

The message is simple yet profound - when women thrive, societies flourish. In contemporary India, women are increasingly moving beyond traditional roles and entering fields such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), entrepreneurship, governance and innovation. Many are not only pursuing professional careers but also creating and leading enterprises that contribute to economic growth. Yet structural barriers persist.

Globally, women constitute approximately 49.7% of the population, with a slight male majority. In India, the female population is estimated at around 48.4–48.8%, indicating a continuing gender imbalance.

According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2025, India ranked 131st out of 148 countries, with a gender parity score of about 64.4%, suggesting that more than one-third of the gender gap remains unclosed.

Several indicators highlight ongoing disparities:

• Female literacy has improved but remains lower than male literacy.
• Women’s labour force participation has historically been low.
• Women occupy a relatively small share of leadership and political positions.

These realities indicate that while progress has been made in education and health outcomes, equal access to economic opportunities and decision-making roles remains a challenge.

Women and Economic Development

Gender equality is not merely a social aspiration, but an economic necessity.

Studies consistently show that increasing women’s participation in the workforce significantly boosts national productivity and economic growth. Women’s education and economic independence also have positive ripple effects on family health, child welfare and community resilience.

India has witnessed encouraging trends in recent years. The female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has risen to approximately 41.7% in 2023–24, reflecting growing involvement of women in the economy. There has also been a notable increase in self-employment and women-led enterprises, particularly in sectors such as digital services, handicrafts, agriculture and start-ups.

The concept of “women-led development” is increasingly gaining recognition as a key driver of inclusive growth.

Politics and Leadership

Women’s political participation worldwide is growing slowly but steadily. Globally, women hold approximately 27% of parliamentary seats. In India, women constitute about 14% of the members of the 18th Lok Sabha.

However, India’s local governance system tells a more encouraging story. Due to constitutional reservations, women occupy nearly 46% of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, demonstrating the transformative impact of affirmative action in grassroots governance.

Legal Safeguards

India has enacted several laws to protect and promote women’s rights. Some important legal frameworks include:

1. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 providing civil protection to women facing physical, emotional, or economic abuse.
2. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013 mandating safe workplace environments and grievance redressal mechanisms.
3. Maternity Benefit Act (Amended 2017) ensuring paid maternity leave and job protection for working mothers.
4. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 criminalising child marriage and supports annulment of such marriages.
5. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 protecting children, including girls, from sexual abuse.
6. Reservation for Women in Local Governance providing at least one-third representation for women in Panchayats and urban bodies.

While these laws provide a strong legal framework, effective implementation remains crucial.

Supporting Women’s Empowerment

Numerous organisations work to advance women’s rights globally and in India.

International organisations

1. "UN Women" advocates for gender equality worldwide.
2. "Women’s Global Empowerment Fund" supports economic and educational opportunities for women.

Indian organisations

1. "National Commission for Women (NCW)" monitors and addresses violations of women’s rights.
2. "Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)" empowers women in the informal sector.
3. "All India Women’s Conference (AIWC)" promotes education and social reform.
4. "Breakthrough India and Jagori" work to combat gender-based violence.

These organisations bridge the gap between policy and grassroots action.

Looking Ahead

International Women’s Day calls for both individual and collective action. Meaningful participation may include:

• Supporting women-led businesses
• Mentoring young girls
• Advocating inclusive workplace policies
• Challenging gender stereotypes
• Promoting respectful and equitable social attitudes

The journey toward gender equality is long, but the progress achieved so far demonstrates the transformative power of collective effort.

From History

Interestingly, in ancient India during the Rigvedic period, women enjoyed significant social status, including access to education, property rights and participation in intellectual and religious life. Over time, these rights diminished in later historical periods.

In contrast, ancient Greek society, particularly in Athens, restricted women largely to domestic roles. However, Spartan women enjoyed comparatively greater freedom and responsibility.

These historical comparisons remind us that gender equality has never been static. It evolves with social values and institutional structures.

Conclusion

Women, across nations and cultures, are the true architects of society. They nurture life, shape values, drive innovation and hold communities together with resilience and compassion. When women are empowered and respected, families prosper, communities strengthen and nations rise with dignity.

Let us honor the indomitable spirit of women and commit ourselves to a world where gender equality is not an aspiration but a lived reality.