Status of Women Safety in IPC and BNS: Progress and Challenges

Women have the entire rights and privileges equivalent to men in all areas as possessed by the men. The Constitution of India has given equal rights, privileges and freedom that are enjoyed by the men for many years. In earlier society, women held a respectful position in society, but later on due to drastic changes in socio, political and economic environment, they lost their high place. In present scenario, Women safety and security are a significant issue. The justice delivery system of any nation is dependent on the criminal laws of that nation. The Indian Penal Code, of 1860, one of the major legislations of criminal law that originated from the colonial values, could not hold the test of time and did not address the contemporary issues faced by the modern India because of it’s obsolete provisions. This paper explores the transformative potential of the legal enactments in India—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), introduced in 2023. This reform, aimed at revamping the archaic legal system inherited from the British era, which is pivotal in addressing the pressing issue of women’s safety amidst rising gender-based violence. This law establishes a clear definition of gender-based crimes and impose strict penalties for offenders, coupled with protective mechanisms for victims, providing a comprehensive approach to women’s safety. Notably, the BNS consolidates offenses against women into a dedicated chapter, emphasizing their significance within the legal framework. However, the effectiveness of this measure largely hinges on their implementation. Many challenges like resource allocation, technological infrastructure development, and shifting societal attitudes towards gender and safety remain an obstacle.