Laws have become stronger to protect women: High Court Judge 

Justice V. Bhavani Subbaroyan speaking at the international women’s day event organised by VIT

Laws especially crime against women, children and senior citizens have become stronger to protect vulnerable sections in the society, said Justice V. Bhavani Subbaroyan, Judge, Madras High Court.

Justice Ms. Subbaroyan was speaking at the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations, which was organised by VIT here. The Judge said that several laws including Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, Hindu Succession Act of 1956 and Protection of Women From Domestic Violence Act, 2005 were strengthened to protect rights of women in the country.
 
Further, the Judge said that new laws like POSCO were also implemented to protect children. “Struggle for women’s rights for the past two-three centuries has resulted in gender equality. Among judges in Madras High Court, 13 of them are women Judges. In fact, subordinate courts in the State have more women judges,” she said.
 
In his presidential address, G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor, VIT, stressed the importance of education for women empowerment. For example, as per report, 66 % of total work globally was done by women and they contribute 56% of total food production.

However, women earn only one percent of total income and own less than one percent of total property worldwide. “Of a total 193 countries, only 10 countries provide around 40 % women representation in their respective Parliament. In India, women represent only 14% of the total elected representatives in Parliament. It shows that only education can boost women’s empowerment,” he said.
 

Earlier, a workshop for the first all women racing team, named Team Asena, at VIT was inaugurated in the campus. On the occasion, Vandana Jain, co-founder, Zanskar Securities Private Limited (Bengaluru), Sankar Viswanathan and Sekar Viswanathan, vice presidents, VIT, were present.