Abolition of sati and child marriage and progressive legislations like Widow Remarriage or Hindu Remarriage Act were opposed on the basis of religious and patriarchical traditions. Similarly, Shah Bano judgement was opposed as it was seen interfering with the personal laws of Muslims. Presently, many steps to render gender justice are being opposed by citing their interference with the fundamental right to freedom of religion.For example Abolition of Triple Talaq, Reform of personal laws and implementation of Uniform Civil Code, Entry of females in the inner sanctum of temples and dargah, Nullifying rulings of personal law courts amongst minorities.

It is often argued that these steps amount to interference of State in the personal lives of people. Religious texts provide sufficiently as to how people should operate in matters of worship, marriage, divorce or adoption. Misinterpretation of these texts by some religious bodies however block progressive legislations and create a rift in the society between various communities. As a result, minorities perceive such reforms as a threat to their identity. They start believing that steps like Uniform Civil Code amount to imposing majoritarian culture and practices on them. But, social reformers believe that practices which undermine the independence and integrity of women amount to gender injustice. That these practices are out of time and reflect gender prejudices. They point out that the interpreters of religion have mostly been men which is a reason for perpetuation of such practices.

Hence, the issue of gender injustice vis-à-vis religion is a sensitive issue and needs to be tackled cautiously. Perception that the State is interfering in the religious and cultural practices does not augur well for peace and unity of the country. It should also be remembered that social, religious and cultural beliefs that are correct in one age may have been unacceptable at another time. For example slavery was the economic bedrock of the imperial age which is however a reprehensible belief today.

Ensuring Gender Justice while respecting religion

• Promoting education and awareness among women about civil rights and liberties. If women themselves take up their issues it would create a greater impact. Role of educators and family is critical in these efforts.
• A change that comes from within is widely accepted. Hence, the notion of gender equality should be promoted using community leaders and religious texts. This will force people to consider dichotomy of their thinking and they would be more open to reforms.
• Citing examples of suffering of women due to some religious diktats.                                                                                                                          
• Upward socio-economic mobility of women.
• Gradual exposure to reforms after extensive dialogues with the various stakeholders involved. Avoiding hasty legislations.
• Upholding constitutional values of freedom of religion without constricting the universal rights of women.
• It should be kept in consideration that social reforms cannot be enforced by governmental or judicial diktats overnight. They have to be nurtured through patient persuasion, enlightened leadership and personal examples and only then they will be acceptable widely.