Indian Movies That Address Gender-Based Violence Against Women And Consequent Legal Recourse

Indian movies are largely understood to be Bollywood moviesthat are mass entertainers. However, we beg to differ. They truly are much more than just entertainers. We bring forth a collection of movies that highlight the cause of law, justice and governance within their respective story frameworks.

Here is a collection of Bollywood movies that bring the important issues of the day to broad daylight.

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Pink

The 2016 social drama movie, Pink brought to light a whole bunch of issues that needed to be addressed. It was a pioneer in that direction in many ways.

The Amitabh Bachchan and Tapsee Pannu starrer tells the story of three young women enjoying drinks with three young men and how this tale turned sour and led them to court.

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Words of legal wisdom the movie gives us:

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• Section 307 - The three men alleged an attempt to murder against the women under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code.
• Section 96 & 97 - The women stated that they hit back in private defence under Section 96 & 97 of the Indian Penal Code.
• Section 376 & 376D - Finally, it was found that men attempted to rape under Section 376 & 376D of the Indian Penal Code.
• Section 354 & 354B - The men also assaulted the women to outrage their modesty which is punishable under Section 354 & 354B. It states, “Any person who tries to assault or uses criminal force on any woman, intending to outrage her modesty, shall be punished with imprisonment. This is a very powerful legal weapon for women. Any person who tries to assault a woman can be charged under this section.”
• Section 503 - Section 503 of the Indian Penal Code provides protection against criminal intimidation. Hence, if a person threatens to injure someone, their reputation or their property – that person would be held guilty under this section. A person would also be held guilty if they threaten someone indirectly.
• Bail on Weekends - This means that women and minors can be bailed on Saturdays and Sundays and that the emergency bail proceedings can be heard at the judge’s house on weekends.
• Section 164 (Recording of Statements) - This details that under Section 164 of the code of criminal procedure, a woman can voluntarily record her statement on camera in a private space with just one police officer and a woman constable.

Thappad

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The Tapsee Pannu starrer 2020 movie throws light on the life of Amrita, a young woman, who leads a content life with her husband, Vikram. However, their happiness is shattered when he slaps her at an office party causing her to file for a divorce.

Legal wisdom that this flick gives us:

• Section 3, THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 2005 - This details that the act of slapping one’s wife is punishable.
• Section 321 of Indian Penal Code - This details the punishment for causing hurt which in this case meant that slapping is punishable.
• Section 13, Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 - This details that cruelty including physical assault on one’s spouse is a legitimate ground for divorce. This is the route that Tapsee’s character takes in the movie.

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No One Killed Jessica

This iconic 2011 movie starring Vidya Balan, Rani Mukherjee and an ensemble cast talks about how Sabrina Lal played by Vidya Balan joins forces with Meera essayedby Rani who is an investigative journalist. Both of them try to seek justice for the former’s sister Jessica, who was murdered by the son of an influential politician.

The laws that this movie highlighted :

• Section 302 - This details the punishment for murder which means that whoever commits murder shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
• Section 39 of Code of Criminal Procedure,1973 - This details the duty of the public to give information to police about incidents of murder. This applies to the movie’s plot since the eye witnesses refused to give a statement against the murderer.

Chhapaak

The 2020 Meghna Gulzar movie starring Deepika Padukone is inspired by the real-life acid attack incident on Laxmi Aggarwal. The movie takes us through the life of the lead character, Malti who falls victim to an acid attack and is forced to go through the ordeal of a court procedure while trying to heal mentally from the incident. In the process, she decides to fight for justice for those like herself.

The case of Laxmi vs Union of India was a landmark case in the history of acid attacks in the country. The Supreme court verdict imposed restrictions on the sale of acid and provided compensation to the victim.

The laws dealt with in the movie:

• Section 326A - Whoever causes permanent or partial damage or deformity to, or burns or maims or disfigures or disables, any part or parts of the body of a person or causes grievous hurt by throwing acid on or by administering acid to that person, or by using any other means with the intention of causing or with the knowledge that he is likely to cause such injury or hurt, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and with fine:

- Provided that such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the treatment of the victim.

- Provided further that any fine imposed under this section shall be paid to the victim.

• Section 326B - According to section 326B of Indian Penal Code, whoever throws or attempts to throw acid on any person or attempts to administer acid to any person, or attempts to use any other means, with the intention of causing permanent or partial damage or deformity or bums or maiming or disfigurement or disability or grievous hurt to that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.