Adv. Sandigdha Mishra "Be Aware"

In today’s world, ensuring the safety and well-being of children is a top priority. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, enacted in India in 2012, is a landmark law designed to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It outlines specific offenses, establishes special courts for swift justice, and prioritizes the dignity and privacy of child victims. Yet, the effectiveness of this law hinges on one critical factor: awareness. For this reason, training school students about POCSO is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Schools must recognize the gravity of this need and act decisively. I recently watched the Telugu-language legal drama Court – State vs. A Nobody (2025), written and directed by Ram Jagadeesh, which compellingly emphasizes the urgency of the issue. The film drives home the message that 'every child under the age of 18 should be aware of the acts and rules designed to protect them. advocating for legal education to be a core part ...

Maternity Rights: Transforming Indian Schools into Equitable Workplaces India stands at a crossroads in its pursuit of gender equality, with significant strides made in women’s rights yet persistent gaps that demand urgent attention. One such gap lies within the K12 education sector, where female teachers—vital contributors to shaping the nation’s future—often face the unjust denial of maternity benefits. Despite the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, amended in 2017 to provide 26 weeks of paid leave, many schools, especially private and smaller institutions, flout these legal obligations. This failure forces female educators into an impossible dilemma: choosing between their professional commitments and their fundamental right to motherhood. The stakes are high. Female teachers, who constitute a substantial portion of India’s teaching workforce, encounter discrimination, job loss, and emotional strain when pregnant. This not only violates their rights but also weakens the education system b...

By Sandigdha Mishra, Adv. advocate.sandigdhamishra@gmail.com On July 1, 2024, India witnessed a significant transformation in its criminal justice system with the introduction of three new laws: the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC); the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC); and the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), replacing the Indian Evidence Act. These reforms aim to modernize, streamline, and strengthen the legal framework to ensure more efficient, fair, and transparent delivery of justice. Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita marks a significant shift from the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, which had been in place since 1860. The BNS aims to address contemporary issues and incorporate provisions that reflect the changing dynamics of Indian society. Major Changes: Modernization of Offenses: The BNS introduces new categories of crimes that were either inadequately addressed ...

By Sandigdha Mishra, Adv. advocate.sandigdhamishra@gmail.com Introduction: Institutional theory, as a lens for analysing organizations, focuses on how institutions—such as laws, regulations, norms, and customs—shape organisational behavior and practices. Developed by Meyer and Rowan in 1977, this theory posits that organizations adopt structures, practices, and behaviours not just because they are efficient or effective, but because they are considered legitimate within their institutional environment. In simpler terms, organizations conform to established norms and expectations to gain legitimacy and support from their environment, which includes stakeholders like government bodies, regulatory agencies, and society at large. Now, applying this theory to India's K-12 education system, we can understand how educational institutions interact with the socio-political and legal environment in which they operate. India's K-12 educational landscape is diverse, with a multitude of pri...

By Sandigdha Mishra, Adv. Legal Counsel and Life Coach advocate.sandigdhamishra@gmail.com.   Introduction:   In today's dynamic digital landscape, children are immersed in an interconnected world where information knows no bounds, transcending geographical borders, religious doctrines, and political ideologies. While the digital realm offers unparalleled opportunities for learning and connectivity, the ease with which information flows raises legitimate concerns about the security of children's digital footprints. Against the backdrop of current global challenges, safeguarding the online experiences of the younger generation becomes paramount. The need to balance the expansive possibilities of the digital era with a vigilant eye on the protection of children's privacy and security is evident, calling for collaborative efforts from parents, educators, policymakers, and technology stakeholders to ensure a safe and enriching online environment for children to explore and learn...