Media Network highlighting New Legal Codes from Women’s and Disability Rights perspectives

The media plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between legal reforms and public awareness. In the context of the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), media's involvement is vital to ensure these reforms are understood and effectively implemented.

Raising Awareness: Media platforms can simplify complex legal jargon for the general public, helping them understand the implications of BNS and BNSS on women's rights and disability rights. By disseminating information through news articles, talk shows, and documentaries, the media ensures that citizens, especially marginalised groups, are informed about their rights.

Highlighting Gaps in Implementation: The media acts as a watchdog, scrutinising the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, judiciary, and administrative bodies. For instance, reporting on the underutilization of provisions like "Zero FIR" or delays in judicial proceedings can pressure authorities to address these issues.

Amplifying Voices: Media can amplify the voices of women and persons with disabilities who face challenges in accessing justice. By sharing their stories, journalists can bring to light the intersectional barriers and systemic flaws within the legal framework.

Promoting Accountability: Investigative journalism can uncover instances of non-compliance or misuse of the new codes by law enforcement or judiciary, ensuring accountability at all levels.

Advocating for Policy Changes: Media campaigns can advocate for embedding disability-inclusive content in laws and policies, encouraging a shift from the medical model of disability to a rights-based approach.

On November 18, 2024, Women Gaining Ground (WGG) India organised a national webinar titled "Understanding Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Women’s Rights & Disability Rights Perspective". WGG, a global consortium advocating against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and promoting the political participation of women, operates in five countries, including India. In India, the initiative spans Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, with CREA as its global implementing partner.

The webinar analysed the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code, focusing on their implications for women and persons with disabilities. Esteemed speakers included Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, Associate Professor at NUJS; Renu Mishra, Executive Director of AALI; and Abhiti Gupta, a consultant specialising in gender and intersectionality.

Dr. Khan highlighted the incorporation of new provisions to protect the rights of women and persons with disabilities, both as survivors and witnesses, alongside ongoing police and judicial training programs. However, he noted the procedural and societal challenges in implementing these reforms.

Mishra stressed that the success of the changes hinges on the effectiveness of enforcement agencies, citing the example of the underutilised "Zero FIR" provision. Gupta underscored the necessity of embedding disability-specific content into judicial processes, policies, and laws. She criticised the prevailing medical model of disability in legal frameworks and called for addressing intersectional barriers in filing complaints and navigating court procedures.

The webinar provided a critical platform to discuss the potential and limitations of these legal reforms, urging policymakers to ensure inclusive and effective implementation. By performing these roles effectively, the media can serve as a catalyst for social change, ensuring that legal reforms like BNS and BNSS truly benefit the communities they aim to protect.