Rajasthan High Court Issues Notice On PIL To Remove Words 'Baanjh', 'Parityakt', 'Nirashrit' Used For Women In Govt Schemes

The present public interest litigation has been filed by Kunal Rawat.

A division bench of Chief Justice S.S. Shinde and Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand, observed, "Issue notice to the respondents, returnable on 27.07.2022. In addition, 'dasti' service is permitted."

The court also granted liberty to the counsel appearing for the petitioner to serve Standing Counsel for the respective respondents.

The petitioner seeks a writ in nature of mandamus or any other direction instructing the State to change the terminology used for the women in its various schemes. It was alleged by the petitioner that there was no sense of concern amongst the Respondents to improvise the condition of women in the state despite news articles being published in the daily local newspaper.

The plea states, "The empowerment of the litigants as women has been a continuing process with the coming into force of the current legislative version state policies using derogatory and sexist terminology in different policies for women shouldn't be accepted by this Hon'ble High Court."

Further, the plea added, "That it is the legislative intent of various Legislations of the country intent into an empowerment of women, protection and development of women of the country. That it is pertinent to mention herein that terminology like "ब ाँझ, परित्यक्त, निि श्रित" is being used for women across the State of Rajasthan."

It was also stated in the plea that the persons affected by such acts of the State are numerous and are not in a position to approach this court and hence, the petitioner has filed the present PIL on behalf of such affected persons. It was also mentioned that if the petition is allowed, then it would benefit the woman of this country generally as rule of law is essential for democracy and that such brazen violation of law by the respondents can be stopped by the orders of this Court only

The matter is next listed on 27.07.2022

The counsels for the petitioner include Ms. Radhika Maharwal and Ms. Dhriti Sharma. The petitioner Mr. Kunal Rawat also appeared before the court in-person.

Case Title: Kunal Rawat v. State of Rajasthan & Ors.

Also Read: PIL Filed In Rajasthan High Court To Change Terminology Like 'Baanjh', 'Parityakt', 'Nirashrit' Used For Women In Different Government Schemes

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