Hindu Law and the Reality of Women's Legal Empowerment: A Critical Evaluation
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Abstract
This paper critically examines the evolution of Hindu law in India and its impact on women's legal empowerment. Through a comprehensive analysis of legislative reforms, judicial pronouncements, and scholarly discourse, this study evaluates the gap between legal provisions and their practical implementation in advancing women's rights. The research explores the historical trajectory of Hindu personal laws, from ancient dharmashastra texts to modern codification, and assesses whether contemporary legal frameworks have genuinely empowered women or merely provided tokenistic reforms. The paper argues that while significant legislative progress has been made, structural barriers and societal attitudes continue to impede the realization of true legal empowerment for Hindu women.
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