Gender Equality in the Criminal Justice System of India: A Few Proactive Steps Taken by the Kerala Police Before and During COVID-19

Abstract

Escalating rates of gender-based violence, especially the shadow pandemic, pose a matter of grave concern during the Covid-19 period. This chapter looks at the extent of crimes and the effectiveness of the present criminal justice system in dealing with crimes against women and children in India, specifically in Kerala, during the Covid-19 situation. The analyses based on both primary and secondary data point out the usefulness of these programmes while also helping to find out gaps in the system. Lack of women officers as a critical mass in police and judiciary, along with entrenched patriarchy and lack of legal provisions, are projected as hindrances for progress in the right direction. The author suggests solutions including short-term, mid-term and long-term goals from a criminal justice perspective.