Description

Laws, Justice and Rights for Women in the Modern Era
Editor: Prof. Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, Ishan Ahmad and Premananda Murmu
Published by Universal Academic Books Publishers and Distributors,
New Delhi (India)
ISBN: 978-81-686113-5-1, 2026

Chapter 23

Women and Access to Justice in Rural India

Dr. Vanshika Kumar
Assistant Professor, Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, School of Law, Bangalore, Karnataka

Ranjitha V
Student, 4th Year, B.Com LL.B, Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, School of Law, Bangalore, Karnataka

Abstract

Access to justice is one of the foundations of the rule of law and is a very important element of gender equality. In spite of the various legislative protections and constitutional guarantees given, women in rural India continue to face barriers in accessing justice. This is due to various factors such as poverty, illiteracy, lack of awareness, patriarchal norms, and social constraints. This paper provides the meaning of access to justice from a gender perspective and analyses the various challenges faced by rural women in India. It evaluates the constitutional framework, statutory protections, legal aid mechanisms, and judicial interventions that aim to improve women’s access to justice in rural India. This paper further explores the role of legal literacy, civil society organizations, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and technological innovations in bridging the justice gap. Ultimately, the paper argues that ensuring meaningful access to justice requires joint efforts involving legal reforms, institutional accountability, community participation, and women’s empowerment. Ensuring women’s access to justice through a gender-sensitive approach is essential to uphold the constitutional values of social justice, dignity, and equality.

Keywords

Access to Justice; Rural Women; Gender Equality; Legal Aid; Women’s Empowerment

1. INTRODUCTION

Access to justice is a fundamental component of the rule of law and a prerequisite for the realization of human rights. Access to justice refers to the ability of individuals to seek, obtain, and enforce legal remedies through formal and informal justice mechanisms in a manner that is fair, accessible, affordable, and effective. In democratic countries, access to justice serves as a bridge between legal rights and their practical implementation. Rights guaranteed by laws and constitutions have practical significance only when people are able to assert and enforce them effectively. However, this ideal remains difficult to achieve in rural India due to persistent structural, economic, and socio-cultural barriers faced by the women in rural India.