·  The Constitution of Indianot only grants equality to women but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women for neutralizing the cumulative socio economic, education and political disadvantages faced by them.  Fundamental Rights, among others, ensure equality before the law and equal protection of law; prohibits discrimination against any citizen on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, and guarantee equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating to employment.  Articles 14, 15, 15(3), 16, 39(a), 39(b), 39(c) and 42of the Constitution are of specific importance in this regard.

·  Article 243 D (3) of theConstitution of India provides for one-third reservation  of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Panchayat for women.

·  Article 243 T (3) of theConstitution of India provides for one-third reservation  of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Municipality to be reserved for women.

·  Article 243 T (4) of theConstitution of India provides for reservation of offices of Chairpersons in Municipalities for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and women in such manner as the legislature of a State may by law provide.

·  To uphold the Constitutional mandate, the State has enacted various legislative measures intended to ensure equal rights, to counter social discrimination and various forms of violence and atrocities and to provide support services especially to working women.

(i)  Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956

(ii)  The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended in 1995)

(iii)  Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

(iv)  Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986

(v)  Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987

(vi)  The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005