Course

Unit 1

Introduction to Constitution of India and Social Legislation-Brief introduction to the Indian Constitution, Fundamental rights, Directive principles of state policy, Constitutional remedies (Writ Petitions and PILs); Human rights, Citizens’ rights against police; Structure of Indian judicial systems & reforms therein (including Lokadalats etc), Social Legislation as instrument of protection of vulnerable sections of the society and for furthering social reforms.

Unit 2

Laws Related to Children-The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015; POCSO Act, 2012; The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013; The Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016; Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006: Right of Children to Free & Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

Unit 3

Laws Related to Women- Introduction to Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956; Dowry Prohibition Act 1961, Indecent Representation of Women Act 1986, Prevention of Domestic Violence Act 2005, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redress) Act -2013; BNS- Section 85.

Unit 4

Laws Related to Socially Disadvantaged –The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, Scheduled tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006, Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007; Bonded Labour (System) Abolition Act-1976

Unit 5

Laws for Social Change-Right to Information Act-2005; Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005; Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admissions) Act 2006. Information Technology Act 2000. Recent Amendments in Social Legislations.

Text Books / References

Text Books:

1. Basu,Durga  (1971) Introduction to the Constitution of India. New Delhi, Prentice Hall of India.
2. GangradeK  (1978) Social Legislations in India (Vol I and II). New Delhi, Concept Publishing Company.
3. ShanmugaVelayutham (1998) Social Legislation and Social Change Chennai, Vazhga Valamudan Pub
4. SouthAsia Human Rights Documentation Centre –  (2006) Introducing Human Rights. New Delhi, Oxford University Press.
5. AswiniKant  (2001) Human Rights and Justice System. New Delhi, A. P. H. Publishing Corporation.

Suggested Readings:

1. Narang, A S. (2000) Indian Government and Politics. New Delhi, Geethanjali Publishing House.
2. Helen Carr & David Goosey, (2022), Law for Social Workers, OUP India; Paperback edition
3. Thomas William, A, Social Legislation Textbook for Social Work, Sociology, Rural Development, Economics, Development Administration and Public Administration, IBP / Indian Books & Periodicals (2025 edition)

Social Work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. The legal awareness and functioning of the legal system in the country is essential for a social work professional in their practice. This course will help the students to gain understanding constitutional remedies, PIL and provisions of various significant legislations in India

Course Objectives:

1. To understand the basic concepts of the Indian judicial system and constitutional safeguards for vulnerable groups.
2. To examine legislation for the protection of women and children
3. To analyse the legislations for the socially disadvantaged communities in India and promote equity.
4. To enable students to examine the laws related to social change in India.

Course Outcomes:

1. Explain the key constitutional provisions and judicial mechanisms in India.
2. Demonstrate awareness of major social legislations for women and children and their implications for social work practice.
3. Evaluate the ethical applicability of legislation for the socially disadvantaged groups in India.
4. Analyse the relationship between law, ethics, and compassion in social change.

CO-PO Mapping: (Course Outcome and Program Outcome Mapping)