Supreme Court Blames Gender Roles, Societal Expectations For Women Being Overburdened With Childcare Work
During a court procedure, a bench also makes some notable judgements that might not be directly related to the case, however, is a significant observation stated for society. In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court clearly made some points about gendered roles set by society on men and women, and how the latter is pressurised more by it. The bench took note of this aspect while hearing a plea by a woman who was not granted a maternity leave because she had availed one for her husband’s son after her ex-wife’s death. Along with this, the court also made some remarkable judgments about atypical families and their rights.
Also Read: Supreme Court: Women Cannot Be Denied Maternity Leave Even If Used Earlier For Her Step-Children
On August 16, the Supreme Court bench of Justice DY Chandrachud and AS Bopanna heard the plea by a woman who was not granted her maternity leave for her biological child because she had taken on for her stepson earlier. During the proceeding, the court also brought to light the disbalance in sharing the responsibilities of a child between mother and father. The court stated that women have more burden of child care and also backed this statement with a survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) which showed that women spent 577% more time than men taking care of babies. It also noted that this time spent by women is unpaid and therefore provisions like maternity leave, child leave are very important.
Also Read: Supreme Court: Women Cannot Be Denied Maternity Leave Even If Used Earlier For Her Step-Children
In this case, the bench made some remarkable judgments about atypical families too. As per the report, the court stated that a family is a “single” unit that primarily consists of the mother, father, and child. But there are families that do have this strict family structure, instead are developed by queer relationships, unmarried couples, or made with a single parent, as a result of the partner’s death. In these cases, the families are atypical but in no way does it take away their legal rights. The Supreme Court in its statement said that the atypical families not only deserve equal protection by law but also are deserving of all the advantages under the social welfare legislation, as per the report.
Also Read: Supreme Court Says Unmarried, Single Women Should Get Same Rights As Widows, Divorcees To Terminate Pregnancy
These judgements would rather be an eye-opener for our society.
