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Supreme Court terms women as 'largest minority' while hearing plea on Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
The Supreme Court observed that women constitute the 'largest minority' in India, making up 48.44% of the population, yet their representation in Parliament is receding. A Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna was hearing a petition challenging the implementation delay of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' (106th Amendment Act). The Act, which grants 33% reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, is tied to the conduct of the next Census and subsequent delimitation. The Court questioned the lack of a specific timeline for the Census, noting that a Constitutional amendment cannot be held back indefinitely.
Key Points
- Women form 48.44% of the total population but lack adequate political representation in Parliament and State legislatures.
- The 106th Amendment Act provides 33% reservation, but its implementation is linked to the next Census and delimitation exercise.
- Article 15(3) of the Constitution mandates the State to take affirmative action and make special provisions for the empowerment of women.
- The petition argues that delaying the implementation for an uncertain period undermines the goal of providing political justice to women.
Exam Facts
- 106th Constitutional Amendment Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam).
- Article 15(3) of the Indian Constitution.
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna is the sole woman judge in the two-judge Bench hearing the petition.
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