The Reform Timeline
Tracing the gap between what happened, what was promised, and what actually changed. This timeline documents the causal chain from tragedy to legislative action, and the ongoing struggle to turn paper promises into ground-level reality.
Mathura Custodial Rape Case
Alleged custodial rape; 1979 Supreme Court acquittal sparks the modern anti-rape movement.
Legal reform of rape law.
1983 amendments on custodial rape and burden of proof.
Bhanwari Devi Case
Alleged gang rape of a government worker opposing child marriage.
Workplace protection for women.
1997 Vishaka Guidelines.
Vishaka Guidelines
Supreme Court lays down binding workplace sexual-harassment guidelines.
Legislated protection.
POSH Act, 2013.
Nirbhaya Case
Gang rape and murder on a moving Delhi bus; nationwide protests.
Sweeping legal reform.
Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013; Justice Verma Committee reforms.
Kathua & Muzaffarpur
Child rape-murder case and shelter-home abuse scandal.
Child-protection reform.
POCSO amendments introducing the death penalty for child rape.
Hathras Case
Alleged gang rape and death of a young Dalit woman; contested night-time cremation.
Caste-sensitive investigation reform.
Renewed debate; outcomes still contested.
RG Kar Medical College Case
Rape and murder of a trainee doctor inside her own hospital.
Hospital and workplace safety reform for medical staff.
One conviction secured; nationwide doctor protests over safety.
Delhi-NCR Sleeper Bus Case
Alleged assault of a minor aboard a moving interstate sleeper bus.
Transport safety enforcement, repeatedly promised since 2012.
Investigation ongoing.