How middle-class women led the movement to demand a change in rape laws in post-Independence India

The first feminist movement in post-independence India that created national headlines was the 1972 Anti-Price Rise Movement in Bombay. War and drought had crippled the Indian economy, leading to escalating prices for essential commodities. This was the time when black marketeers ruled, and hoarding had become a menace. By 1972, the economic situation of the country had worsened to the extent that women were forced to come out on the streets to protest. These were educated middle-class women who were joined by those from the working class. In September, representatives from seventy women’s organizations collaborated and formed the Mehengai Pratikar Smyukta Samiti (Anti-Price Rise Women’s United Front) to fight rising costs under the joint leadership of Mrinal Gore of the Socialist Party, and Ahilya Ranganekar of the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist). Women from all walks of life, and different political groups, were invited to join the movement. From deputations to ministers to meetings and conferences, gheraos and dharnas, all possible avenues were tried but to no avail. The demonstrations continued for three years.

The Anti-Price Rise Movement gathered new momentum in 1973 when prices of milk increased, prompting women to enter the government-owned Aarey Milk Colony and stop the trucks...

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