Lawyers pitch for more amendments in laws to empower women

A group of women lawyers have suggested a series of amendments in personal laws so that women and children would have better rights. They were speaking at a day-long seminar organised by the Maharashtra State Commission for Women at YB Chavan Centre.

Stressing that certain amendments were essential, Indira Patni, president, Women Lawyers Association of India, said it was about time some of the succession and adoption laws were revisited.

"The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act does not allow a divorcee, separated woman or mother of an illegitimate child to give her child for adoption," said Patni adding: "Similarly, the Hindu Succession Act gives preferential treatment to the family of the husband over wife when it comes to her own properties."

A case was also made out with respect to adoption of juveniles under general adoption.

The meet was attended by Justice Ranjana Desai, Mohit Shah, chief justice of Bombay high court, Ujwal Uke, principal secretary of women and child development, Sangitrao Patil, secretary of law and judiciary, Varsha Gaikwad, minister for child and development and Susie Shah, chairperson of the commission, among others.

Ranjana Desai spoke largely on the challenges she had faced in life in the process of reaching where she had reached now. "I would say women have to face challenges at every step if they look to occupy a place of eminence," she said.

Mohit Shah said that women continued to get a raw deal despite contributing immensely to the society.

Others spoke on the progress some laws had made which helped address issues regarding violence against women and children in a better way.