Facing abuse, harassment, or exploitation is a traumatic experience. With the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the legal system continues to offer a framework to support and protect victims especially women-by ensuring justice, security, and dignity.

However, justice will take years, as the legal process is very slow and imperfect. While laws exist on paper, challenges like delays, weak enforcement, and social stigma can make the journey even harder; settlement with the company as soon as possible is the best option for a woman.

Legal Protections for Victims: Key Provisions under BNS

• Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013

Enacted post the Nirbhaya case (2012), this ordinance introduced new offences like stalking and voyeurism and provided stricter punishment for sexual assault. These are now embedded into the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

• BNS Section 73-Sexual Harassment

This section criminalises:

Unwanted physical contact with sexual intent

Asking for sexual favours

Making sexually inappropriate remarks

Showing pornography without consent

Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine.

• BNS Section 74 Assault or Criminal Force with Intent to Disrobe

Covers cases where someone tries to forcefully remove a woman's clothing or helps in doing so.

Punishment: 3 to 7 years in prison.

• BNS Section 75 Voyeurism

Watching or capturing images of a woman involved in private acts (e.g., changing clothes) without her consent.

Punishment:

First offense: 1 to 3 years in prison + fine

Repeat offense: 3 to 7 years + fine

• BNS Section 76 Stalking

Includes:

Repeatedly following a woman

Contacting her despite disinterest

Tracking her digital activities

Punishment:

First offense: Up to 3 years

Subsequent offense: Up to 5 years

• BNS Sections 138 and 139 Human Trafficking

These provisions punish those who kidnap, traffic, or force individuals into labour, sex trade, or illegal activities.

Punishment: Minimum 7 years to life imprisonment.

• BNS Section 63 Rape

Defines rape as sexual intercourse without consent. Saying "no" is sufficient to constitute lack of consent; physical resistance is not mandatory.

Punishment: Minimum 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment.

• BNS Section 64-Rape Leading to Death or Persistent Vegetative State

Applies when rape results in death or leaves the victim in a coma-like state.

Punishment: Minimum 20 years to life, possibly the death penalty.

• BNS Section 66 Abuse of Authority for Sexual Exploitation

Punishes those in positions of power-like teachers, guardians, or public servants-who use their position for sexual exploitation.

Punishment: Up to 10 years.

• BNS Section 79 Outraging Modesty or Use of Words/Gestures

Punishes anyone who uses inappropriate gestures, words, or actions to insult or offend a woman's modesty.

Victim Statements and Consent-What's New?

• A woman's past behaviour or character is irrelevant in court.
• If a woman says she did not consent, it is taken at face value.
• The system ensures a supportive, victim-centred process during investigation and trial.

Conclusion

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, is a modern, victim-centric approach to justice. These laws are not just legal codes-they are shields of dignity. If you or someone you know is affected, remember: knowing your rights is the first step toward justice.

Pregnancy is a time full of wonder, dreams, and planning for the future. Among the many questions parents ask themselves during this beautiful journey, one that often arises is, “Is it a boy or a girl?”

In countries like India, prenatal sex determination using ultrasound or other methods is strictly prohibited by law. The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act makes it illegal to determine or disclose the sex of a fetus, with the aim of discouraging gender-based abortions.

However, for expectant parents who are genuinely curious and want to find out the baby’s gender purely out of excitement, there are legal alternatives abroad.

Countries Where Prenatal Gender Determination is Legal

If you’re planning an international getaway during your pregnancy, you can combine your trip with a legally approved gender reveal check-up. Here are some popular countries where prenatal sex determination is completely legal and done professionally:

• United States (USA)
• Dubai (UAE)
• Singapore
• Brazil
• Japan
• Thailand
• Nepal
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• United Kingdom (UK)

Each of these destinations offers world-class medical facilities and English-speaking doctors (in most cases).

How Much Does It Cost? Sample Flight Prices from India

Note: Prices fluctuate based on season, airline, and how early you book. These are general averages based on April 2025.

Methods of Prenatal Sex Determination

1. Ultrasound

Ultrasound is the most commonly used method. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the fetus. Doctors often identify the baby’s sex by visually examining the genitalia.

• Best time for accuracy: After 18-20 weeks of pregnancy.
• Limitations: Accuracy decreases in early pregnancy and depends on fetal position.

2. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

CVS is a genetic test performed in the first trimester (typically between 10-13 weeks). It involves collecting a small tissue sample from the placenta for chromosomal analysis.

• Pros: Highly accurate in detecting chromosomal disorders and fetal sex.
• Cons: Invasive procedure with a small miscarriage risk (~1%).
• Use case: Recommended when there is a family history of genetic conditions.

3. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

NIPT is a simple blood test that analyses fragments of fetal DNA found in the mother’s bloodstream. It can be done as early as the 10th week of pregnancy.

• Pros: Highly accurate, non-invasive, and safe.
• Also screens for: Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and other chromosomal disorders.
• Accuracy in fetal sex detection: Over 99% according to Sonic Genetics.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to know your baby’s gender during pregnancy, there are safe and legal ways to do it abroad. Many countries offer professional and accurate prenatal sex determination through ultrasound or blood tests. Just make sure to plan ahead, carry the right documents, and choose a trusted hospital. It can be a smooth and memorable part of your pregnancy journey.

Disclaimer: The information here is for educational purposes only and does not promote or encourage sex determination or selection in any form. It is important to follow the laws and medical ethics of your country.

Why Every working woman should consider a Voice Recorder

In India, while laws like the POSH Act (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace, 2013) have been enacted to protect women, the harsh reality is that implementation and enforcement remain weak. Many women still struggle with workplace harassment-verbal, mental, or even sexual-with little support from authorities due to inaccessibility, systemic delays, or sheer apathy.

Court cases often drag on for years, making justice a long and uncertain road. In such an environment, a simple tool like a voice recorder can become a silent but powerful ally.

The power of Audio Evidence

While Indian courts may not always accept voice recordings as primary evidence unless obtained through authorised channels like police investigations, such recordings can still play a vital role:

• Internal Investigations: Office authorities can initiate disciplinary action based on voice recordings.
• Public Support: A clear, distinguishable recording can help build your credibility and social support.
• Personal Safety: Even if not legally admissible, it can act as a deterrent or help identify patterns of harassment.

Why Not Use a Mobile Phone?

Although mobile phones have built-in recorders, they're not ideal for professional voice recording:

• Incoming calls can interrupt recordings.
• Sound quality is often inferior.
• Operation may be more obvious or less discreet.

Sony ICD-PX470: A reliable Choice

Key features:

• Excellent voice quality with built-in microphones.
• Compact design, easily fits into a handbag-looks like a cellphone.
• 500 hours of recording capacity on internal memory.
• 70-hour battery life with new batteries.
• USB connectivity for file transfer and playback on a computer.
• Noise cut function in both device and bundled software.
• Sound Organiser software: Edit, trim, and enhance audio files with ease.
• CD/DVD burning directly from software.
• Track splitting and waveform visualisation for easy navigation.
• Expandable storage with a microSD card slot.

I purchased it for around ₹4250 from eBay India. It may be available for less on platforms like Flipkart or Amazon, so compare prices before buying.

How to Use It Effectively

• Always keep it in your purse-ready to activate discreetly.
• Use it during meetings or when anticipating inappropriate behaviour.
• Import the recordings to your computer using the Sound Organiser software provided.
• Right-click on the file and choose 'Edit Track Mark' to visualise the waveform and locate key conversation points.
• Use the Noise Cut features in software only, not on the device, to avoid altering the original recording.

Final Thoughts

While a voice recorder is no substitute for legal reforms or institutional accountability, it empowers women with a tool to document harassment, assert their voice, and seek action at the workplace. Whether for self-protection or preserving sweet moments with loved ones, a dedicated voice recorder like the Sony ICD-PX312 is a worthwhile investment.

Certainly! Here are some reliable digital voice recorders available on Amazon, suitable for discreet and high-quality audio recording in office environments:

1. Sony ICD-PX470 Digital voice recorder
   • Storage: 4GB internal memory, expandable via microSD up to 32GB
   • Features: Built-in USB for easy file transfer, auto voice recording for noise reduction
   • Click here to view the product.
2. Olympus WS-852 Digital Voice recorder
   • Storage: 4GB internal memory, expandable via microSD up to 32GB
   • Features: Noise cancellation, built-in USB, file searching capabilities
   • Click here to view the product.
3. Zoom H1n Handy Recorder
   • Features: Built-in stereo condenser microphones, one-touch button controls, USB connectivity
   • Ideal for: High-fidelity recording, including voice
   • Click here to view the product.
4. Tascam DR-05X portable Audio Recorder
   • Features: Built-in stereo microphones, USB audio interface, overdubbing function
   • Click here to view the product
5. Sony ICD-UX570 Digital Voice Recorder
   • Storage: 4GB internal memory, expandable via microSD
   • Features: Built-in USB, high-sensitivity microphone, quick charge capability
   • Click here to view the product.
6. Pen drive recorder
   • Features: Mini Voice Activated Audio Recorder, Long 94 hours Storage Capacity (8GB) 20 hours recording
   • Click here to view the product.

When a baby is born, you'd expect the first things parents worry about to be choosing a name, arranging baby clothes, or maybe setting up a crib. But in some parts of India, there's another fear quietly hanging over the moment: a knock on the door.

That knock, often coming just days after birth, is from the local hijra community. It's a tradition many of us grew up seeing - hijras visiting homes with music, claps, blessings, and yes, money requests. While it may have started as a cultural exchange of blessings, for many modern parents, it's now something else entirely; the pressure can feel overwhelming, and many families report being asked for thousands of rupees - with loud, embarrassing scenes if they refuse.

The Quiet Workaround: Giving a False Address

To avoid these unwanted visits, more and more parents are using a tactic that might seem surprising:

They give a false home address during hospital registration.

This small change makes it harder for anyone - including hijra groups - to track them down after the birth. While it's not a 'perfect solution,' it helps the parents to avoid the stress of dealing with unexpected visitors during such a delicate time.

I first heard about this from a friend in Delhi. She told me, "When a child was born in her family, they were warned in the hospital. If you don't want a scene at your door, just don't put your real home address on the birth certificate."

More and more parents - especially in cities and semi-urban areas - are giving false addresses in hospitals at the time of delivery. Why? To avoid visits from hijra groups who demand money, sometimes aggressively.

Some families report being asked for thousands of rupees and say that refusing to pay led to loud scenes outside their homes, public embarrassment, and even threats. So instead of dealing with the drama, they take a detour: lie at the hospital and avoid being tracked later.

A Tradition Losing its Meaning?

Let's be real - not every hijra visit is a problem. In fact, some people still welcome them, offer money willingly, and see it as part of Indian cultural richness. But the problem arises when these visits turn into extortion rather than a blessing.

It paints the entire hijra community in a negative light, even though many members live with dignity and face massive social discrimination themselves. It's a broken system. On one side, families feel trapped. On the other side, hijras are stuck in traditions that don't always offer sustainable livelihoods.

Tips for Parents Who Want to Protect Their Privacy

If you're considering this step, here are some smart, low-risk ways to do it:

• Use a friend's or relative's address that is far from your actual residence. It's still a real address, just not yours.
• Register under your hometown address if you're delivering in a different city - a valid and often accepted practice.
• Keep all hospital receipts and documents carefully in case you need to correct the address officially later.

Long-Term Considerations

If you give a false address, make sure to plan ahead:

• You may need to apply for an address correction later with the municipal authority.
• For school admissions or a passport, you'll likely be asked to provide proof of address - so be prepared to fix the documentation when needed.

What if They Show up Years Later?

Even if you successfully avoid a visit right after your baby's birth, it's possible that someone from the hijra community may still track you down months or even years later.

Here's a simple and respectful response many parents are now using:

"We've already given the money and taken the blessings where the child was born."

By saying this, you're implying that any blessings or traditions were already taken care of at the place of birth, not your current home. It's polite, firm, and helps avoid unnecessary confrontation.

Bottom Line: Your Baby, Your Boundaries

Every parent has the right to peace, safety, and privacy - especially in those early days of bringing a new born home. While giving a false address isn't ideal or legally encouraged, it's one way some families are reclaiming control in a situation that can feel out of their hands.

The hijra tradition deserves respectful dialogue and support. But so do new parents who are just trying to protect their family.