The status of the women's reservation bill in the Indian Parliament: Investigate the reasons for delays, opposition, or support from different political parties Sharma Vinita Assistant Professor, IAMR Law College, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India Online published on 5 June, 2024. Abstract The Women's Reservation Bill (WRB) in the Indian legislative ecosystem seeks to reserve 33% of seats in Parliament and state legislative assemblies for women, marking a critical step toward gender equality in the political domain. Since its introduction in 1996, the WRB's trajectory has been emblematic of the broader socio-political dynamics prevalent in India. Although successfully endorsed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010, the bill remains pending in the Lok Sabha. This research paper delves into the myriad reasons underpinning such protraction. Among these are apprehensions from certain regional parties fearing diminished representation for male politicians and the possibility of the bill undermining the representation of various socioeconomic and minority groups. On another front, the bill has garnered substantial backing, with proponents emphasizing its transformative potential for Indian politics by rectifying gender disparities. Furthermore, this study also examines the complexities introduced by trying to integrate the WRB into India's diverse socio-political milieu, which, while highlighting gender issues, also underscores the inter sectionality of various forms of marginalization. The paper thus provides a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between the apparitional ideals of the WRB and the pragmatic considerations of political strategizing, societal norms, and the challenge so free presentation in the world's largest democracy. Top Keywords Women's Reservation Bill (WRB), Indian Parliament, Gender equality, Political Representation, Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, Inter Sectionality, Marginalization. Top |