From Nirbhaya to Now: Evaluating the Impact of Criminal Law Amendments on Women’s Safety

Author(s)	Mr. Monnaf Ali Miah
Country	India
Abstract	The brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi in 2012, widely known as the Nirbhaya case, catalysed a nationwide movement for stronger legal measures to address gender-based violence in India. This paper evaluates the impact of subsequent criminal law amendments, particularly the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013 and 2018, on women’s safety. It examines key legislative changes, including expanded definitions of sexual offences, harsher penalties, and procedural reforms, alongside their implementation challenges. Drawing on case law, statistical data, and scholarly commentary, the paper argues that while these amendments marked a significant shift in legal frameworks, their effectiveness is undermined by systemic issues such as judicial delays, societal attitudes, and inadequate enforcement. The paper advocates for holistic reforms, including gender-sensitive training and societal transformation, to bridge the gap between legislation and tangible improvements in women’s safety.
Keywords	Nirbhaya, Criminal Law Amendments, Women’s Safety, Sexual Violence, Indian Legal System, Gender Justice, Implementation Challenges
Field	Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On	2025-07-07
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.50314
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g9s9gn

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