Topic Details (Notes format)

Gender Neutral Laws: Debates and Reforms

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Demands for replacing gender-specific terms (e.g., “husband,” “wife”) with inclusive language in laws addressing marriage, sexual offenses, and domestic violence. Proponents cite fundamental rights to equality (Article 14), seeking recognition of same-sex or gender-nonconforming individuals. Opponents fear social disruption or question readiness for broad legislative changes. Courts have partially advanced this conversation (decriminalizing Section 377, 2018). Uniform gender-neutral laws on sexual violence or marriage remain a legislative frontier. The debate underscores how the Constitution’s equality principle can push social and legal reforms that accommodate diverse gender identities, reconfiguring traditional definitions of family and relationships.

Practice Questions

Who among the following appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

Which of the following is the highest court of appeal in India?

What is the minimum age for a person to contest elections for the Lok Sabha?

Who has the authority to remove the Vice President of India from office?

संसद कार्यवाही की समय सीमा किस अनुच्छेद में उल्लिखित है?

Who was the first woman to become the President of India?

संघीय परिषद का प्रावधान किस अनुच्छेद में है?

निर्वाचन आयोग के अध्यक्ष का चयन किसके द्वारा किया जाता है?

वरिष्ठ न्यायाधीशों के चयन में किस समिति का योगदान होता है?

न्यायपालिका के निर्णयों की binding प्रभावशीलता किस पर आधारित है?