CHARACTERS:

Shazia – Jayshree
Kusum – Angel
NGO Officer – Prince
Speaker – Pawan, Saurav
Lawyers – Rutvik, Shivam
Press Reporters – Tanisha, Dilkhush, Aarvy
Audience/Protest Audience/Everyone – Whole Class

ANCHOR - INTRO
Good Morning Everyone! I am Jash Gojiya from grade 8.
Today, our class is about to present you a drama on the
journey of how the Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act got passed. This is the story of two
women, Kusum and Shazia, who worked at the women’s
organization were suffering from domestic violence and
how they fought against it. So let’s begin.
INT. OFFICE – DAY

ANCHOR
April 1991, a typical day at their office.

Shazia and Kusum enters the office and goes to the NGO
officer.

SHAZIA
Please, I need some advice. My husband beats me up
brutally, I haven’t told anyone yet because I feel so
ashamed! I cannot go on like this any longer. But, I
have nowhere to go. What should I do?!
KUSUM
I am being ill-treated by my son and daughter in-law.
They verbally abuses me! Also I have no access to my
bank accounts. They may even throw me out! And where
will I go in these declining years!
SHAZIA
I don’t want to go to the police. I just want to stop
the violence happening to me.
KUSUM
And I don’t want to be homeless.

NGO Officer stands up in trauma and explains.

 NGO OFFICER
Unfortunately, the existing law is the criminal one and
does not provides these options. We are sorry to say
that we can do nothing about it.

EXT. PUBLIC AREA - DAY

ANCHOR
Throughout 1990s, the need for a new law was raised in
different forums. Women’s protested for a new law on
domestic violence.

KUSUM
We have heard from several women. We have seen that
women want protection against being beaten, the right
to continue living in a shared household and often
temporary relief.
SHAZIA – ADDING WORDS
We need a new civil law, to address this issue!
क्यूंकि जब महिलाओं पर होने वाली हिं सा रूकेगी,
तभी दे श, समाज और परिवार तरक्की करे गी!!
INT. LAWYERS COLLECTIVE GROUP – DAY

ANCHOR
In 1999, Lawyers Collective Group, a group of lawyers,
law students and activists, after nation-wide
consultations took the lead in drafting the Domestic
Violence (Prevention and Protection) bill. This draft
bill was widely circulated

LAWYER 1
The definition of Domestic Violence should include
physical, economical, sexual, verbal and emotional
abuse.

LAWYER 2
And also, the law should cover any women living within
a shared domestic space. They should be protected from
being evicted from their shared household.

LAWYER 1
Right, monetary relief is also important.

INT. MEDIA ROOM – NIGHT

ANCHOR
After that, meetings were held in different
organizations, and press reporters were interviewing
lawyers from Lawyers Collective Group.
 LAWYER
The women’s movement want a new law on Domestic
Violence. The Government should introduce it in
parliament soon.

One Press Reporter raises hand and tries to ask

question
Lawyer selects it.

PRESS REPORTER
But sir, by using the law to protect women, will it
work?

LAWYER
It will work, in short, every women who is facing
domestic violence, will now can fight for her right to
live safely in a shared household.

Another Press Reporter raises hand and tries to ask

question.
Lawyer selects it.
 PRESS REPORTER
Sir, what are the terms under which it will be
classified as Domestic Violence?

LAWYER
If any women is facing Physical, Sexual, Emotional or
Economical abuse will be taken under Domestic Violence.

INT. PARLIAMENT - DAY

ANCHOR
The thought of the Domestic Violence Law was finally
introduced in the parliament assembly for serious
discussion.

Audience sitting around three people for the law

discussion.

SPEAKER
Esteemed members of Parliamentary Standing Committee…
The present Bill must be changed. We do not agree with
the definition of domestic violence.

SPEAKER
Because the Bill presented, does not contain any
information on the custody of child, or monetary
relief.
 ANCHOR
In December 2002, The Standing Committee submitted its
recommendations to the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. The
Committee’s report accepted most of the demands of the
women’s groups. Finally, a new bill was reintroduced in
Parliament in 2005. After being passed in both houses
of parliament. It was sent to the President for his
assent. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence
Act came in effect in 2006.

EXT. PRESS CONFERENCE – NIGHT

ANCHOR
A press conference was held in 2006 on Domestic
Violence Law passing.

PRESS REPORTER
What is this new law ma’am?

SHAZIA
This law is a first in recognising a woman’s right to
violence free home, provides a comprehensive definition
of domestic violence.

KUSUM
This is a civil law aimed at providing relief to
millions of women, including wives, mothers, daughters
and sisters affected by violence in their homes.
 ANCHOR
And then, this news on the new law passing was widely
circulated by the media and women now doesn’t have to
face domestic violence anymore.

INT. STAGE – DAY

Every Character enters the stage.

ANCHOR
This is the end of the drama presented by grade 8.
Thank You.

Every Character bows in front of audience showing

thankfulness.