How Do New Laws Come About?

3.5 How Do New Laws Come About?

Description

Quick Overview

This section explains the process by which new laws are created in India, emphasizing the role of citizens and their participation in transforming social issues into legislation.

Standard

The section outlines the significance of public participation in the law-making process in India, particularly through the example of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. It highlights how various groups address societal issues, lobby Parliament, and contribute to the legislative process to ensure laws reflect the citizens’ needs.

Detailed

How Do New Laws Come About?

This section discusses the essential processes through which laws are formulated in India, emphasizing the pivotal role that citizens play in identifying social issues and advocating for legislative changes.

An important case study provided is the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The journey of this law illustrates how citizens' voices, particularly through women's organizations, can successfully influence the formulation of laws that address crucial social concerns like domestic violence.

The process begins with citizens bringing attention to issues through various platforms, leading to the drafting of a bill, which in this case was initiated by significant consultations by Lawyers Collective. After being introduced in Parliament, the bill underwent scrutiny by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, which then recommended amendments to ensure the law's effectiveness. Ultimately, the Act was passed, demonstrating a legislative framework that is responsive to the needs of its citizens.

This section highlights that laws can sometimes be controversial, and citizens also have the right to challenge them, ensuring that the democratic process remains robust and accountable to the people.

Key Concepts

  • Citizen Participation: The involvement of citizens in advocating for and influencing legislative changes.

  • Legislative Process: The sequence of steps through which a bill becomes a law in Parliament.

  • Activism: Collective actions taken by individuals or groups aimed at effecting change in policies or laws.

  • Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act: A significant law in India aimed at providing legal protection to women against domestic violence.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Raise the voice, make it loud, / Laws change when the people crowd.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a village where no one felt safe. A brave woman spoke up, gathering her friends to discuss their struggles. They decided to petition for a new law. Their relentless efforts reached the Parliament, and the law was finally passed. This story shows how courage and unity can create change.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the steps to law-making as 'D-Introducing-Committee-Voting,' short for DICV.

🎯 Super Acronyms

To remember the stages of citizen involvement, use **R.A.I.S.E**

  • Raise
  • Advocate
  • Influence
  • Secure
  • Enact.

Examples

  • The case of domestic violence advocacy leading to the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, which demonstrates the effectiveness of civic engagement in legislation.

  • Protests and campaigns organized by various groups to highlight injustices, prompting parliamentary debates and legislative changes.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Domestic Violence

    Definition:

    Harm or threat of harm caused by an adult male against his female partner.

  • Term: Legislation

    Definition:

    The act of making or enacting laws.

  • Term: Standing Committee

    Definition:

    A permanent committee of Parliament that reviews bills and provides recommendations.

  • Term: Advocacy

    Definition:

    The act of supporting or arguing for a cause or policy.

  • Term: Bill

    Definition:

    A draft of a proposed law that is presented to Parliament for discussion.