Legal Open Mic

The FLO Chennai’s “Legal Open Mic” event, hosted by the past Chairperson Ms. Shalini Biswajit, and presented by the Legal Policy and Advocacy team, featured an
engaging discussion, led by the vertical heads Ms. Subathra Mylsamy, Ms. Chitra Gopinath, and Ms. Naina Shah, along with committee member Ms. Arulselvi G. Ms. Subathra Mylsamy, the first speaker, explored the topic "Breaking Boundaries: Live- in Relationships and LGBTQ Rights." She spoke about the significant 2013 Indra Sarma vs. VKV Sarma case, which recognised live-in relationships as having similar rights to marriage. She highlighted legal developments such as the = Domestic Violence Act of 2005 and affirmed that children born to live-in couples are legitimate with equal rights.

However, she pointed out the challenge of proving the existence of a live-in relationship in court.

Ms. Arulselvi G, the second speaker, discussed “Property Rights of Women in India,” providing a detailed explanation of women's rights to property and inheritance, emphasising the need for women to understand these rights. During the Q&A session, one question focused on why companies must have at least one woman on their board of directors. This regulation, enshrined under Regulation 17, aims to promote gender diversity and inclusivity in corporate governance. The presence of women on boards encourages diverse perspectives, better decision-making, and more ethical business practices. Moreover, this regulation ensures that women have a voice in the highest levels of corporate decision-making.

Other questions in the session addressed various legal issues, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirements under Section 135 of the CSR Act, recovering money or property after winning a suit (which involves filing an execution petition), whether arbitration is preferable to litigation, and the difference between a will and a settlement, noting that both can be disputed.

Concerns about data privacy breaches were also raised. Recommendations included using strong passwords, enabling two-step verification, and monitoring financial transactions. Finally, the discussion touched on topics like euthanasia and celebrities' rights to privacy from paparazzi.

The event offered valuable insights into a range of legal matters, particularly those affecting women.
Impacted: 25 female attendees