What does the term “pressure groups” mean? Give instances and describe the many strategies pressure groups employ to accomplish their objectives. ( 200 words)
Model Answer Introduction Khap Panchayats are traditional caste-based councils primarily found in northern India, particularly in states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. These councils have been criticized for operating as extra-constitutional authorities, often making pronouncements thatRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Khap Panchayats are traditional caste-based councils primarily found in northern India, particularly in states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. These councils have been criticized for operating as extra-constitutional authorities, often making pronouncements that lead to human rights violations, including honor killings and gender discrimination.
Legislative Actions
The Indian Parliament has enacted several laws aimed at protecting individual rights and prohibiting honor killings. Key legislations include:
- Indian Penal Code (IPC): Addresses various offenses, including those related to honor killings.
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005): Aims to protect women from domestic abuse, indirectly challenging Khap practices.
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (1989): Protects marginalized communities from discrimination and violence.
Despite these laws, their effectiveness is limited due to the entrenched influence of Khap Panchayats, which often operate outside the formal legal framework .
Executive Actions
The executive branch, including police and local administration, has taken steps to address human rights violations linked to Khap Panchayats. Actions include:
- Arresting individuals involved in honor killings.
- Ensuring the safety of victims and affected families.
However, these measures have often been reactive rather than proactive, with inadequate enforcement of existing laws .
Judicial Actions
The judiciary has played a crucial role in countering the influence of Khap Panchayats. Notable actions include:
- The Supreme Court’s ruling in Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018), which declared that Khap Panchayats cannot interfere in the marriages of consenting adults and laid down measures to combat honor killings.
- The judiciary has also taken suo motu cognizance of human rights violations, ordering investigations and protection for victims.
Conclusion
Despite legislative, executive, and judicial efforts, the influence of Khap Panchayats continues, largely due to deep-rooted patriarchal norms and socio-political power dynamics in rural areas. To effectively combat these issues, it is essential to raise awareness about the unconstitutionality of Khap actions, empower local law enforcement, and promote social change to challenge regressive customs.
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Pressure groups are a group of organized individuals formed while exercising rights under article 19(1)(b), playing a huge role in enhancing public participation. Some examples of pressure groups- Navdanya, Confederation of Indian Industry and Self Employed Women's Association. Different types of teRead more
Pressure groups are a group of organized individuals formed while exercising rights under article 19(1)(b), playing a huge role in enhancing public participation. Some examples of pressure groups- Navdanya, Confederation of Indian Industry and Self Employed Women’s Association.
Different types of techniques used by pressure groups:
- Public Awareness Campaigns– In order to raise support and make people aware about an issue, rallies, protests and social media campaigns are organized. Example- During Farmers protest mass rallies and protests along with huge social media campaigns were organized.
- Legal Action– Governmental policies which may be deemed as unfair are taken to courts via lawsuits or petitions. Example – Public Interest Litigation is used to challenge government policies.
- Lobbying- Contacting the policymakers or government officials directly in pursuit of agreeing to a specific case is called lobbying. Example- CII for reducing corporate taxes.
- Research and Reports– Conducting research and analyzing it to form a conclusive report is used by pressure groups in order to support their claim. Example – The latest Greenpeace report titled “Heat Havoc”.
- Public Relations– Influencing public opinion via communication strategies is another tactic used by pressure groups. Example- PETA India utilized advertising campaigns featuring Bollywood celebrities to raise awareness about animal cruelty.
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