Karuna Nundy, a prominent Indian lawyer known for her advocacy in justice and women's rights, shares her journey fighting gender-based violence and legal reform in India. She discusses the persistent issues of sexual violence and the impact of patriarchy on women's rights. The conversation delves into the intersection of law and personal beliefs, the challenges to freedom of expression, and the need for judicial independence. Nundy also highlights the struggles faced by marginalized communities and the ongoing fight for equality and justice in the face of societal and political obstacles.
Karuna Nundy highlights the urgent need to criminalize marital rape in India, challenging outdated legal definitions and patriarchal norms.
The podcast addresses the troubling state of freedom of expression in India, emphasizing the repression faced by independent journalism and activists.
Deep dives
The Fight Against Marital Rape in India
A critical campaign is underway in India to criminalize marital rape, a move that seeks to redefine the definition of rape to include non-consensual sex within marriage. Karuna Nundi, a prominent human rights lawyer, argues that the current legal framework fails to recognize the marriage exception, allowing men to escape prosecution for violence against their wives. Despite the Indian government's opposition, there are signs of hope as increasing public discourse arrises around women's rights, indicating a potential shift in societal attitudes. The movement faces challenges, including a lengthy legal process and the need for systemic reforms in the judicial system, but advocates remain resolute that change is attainable.
The Persistence of Patriarchy and Social Backlash
The conversation highlights the ongoing struggle against a deeply entrenched patriarchal system in India, which is often described as a pervasive 'cancer'. Nundi notes that while there have been some improvements in legal protections for women, there is still significant backlash against their rights across various societies, not just in India. She emphasizes that this backlash attempts to leverage traditional norms under the guise of victimhood, aiming to suppress women's voices. However, rising awareness and a growing alliance between women and their male counterparts who oppose patriarchy provide a glimmer of hope for meaningful change.
Challenges Facing Freedom of Expression
A critical examination of the state of freedom of expression in India reveals alarming trends towards repression, particularly against independent journalism and dissenting voices. Nundi describes how actions like police raids on media offices and the arrest of political prisoners contribute to a chilling atmosphere for free speech. The corporate takeover of mainstream media adds another layer of complexity, as impartial reporting becomes harder to find. Despite these challenges, there remains a commitment among activists, including Nundi, to continually advocate for human rights and free expression in a contentious political climate.
Stephen Sackur speaks to the prominent Indian lawyer Karuna Nundy. She has been at the forefront of long battles to better protect women from sexual violence, legalise gay marriage and safeguard freedom of speech. Is she losing this fight for India’s future?
This episode contains references to rape and sexual assault.
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