“Be A Durga” Handbook Release | Legal Services Clinic in collaboration with Durga India

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Legal Services Clinic (LSC), a student run committee at NLSIU, released the updated edition of the “Be A Durga” handbook in collaboration with Durga India (a not-for-profit organisation) on March 8,  2025. Designed as an accessible and practical legal resource, the handbook aims to equip women with the knowledge and tools needed to understand, navigate, and assert their rights in the face of gender-based violence.

Members of the LSC also visited Durga India’s office in Bengaluru for the official launch of the handbook and discussed further potential collaboration. Originally published in 2020, “Be A Durga” was conceived as a guide to help individuals—particularly women—navigate the complex legal systems surrounding violence and harassment. The 2025 edition has been significantly updated to reflect recent legal reforms, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). To improve accessibility and ease of understanding, the handbook has been restructured into a thematic FAQ-based format, covering legal protections in public, private, and digital spaces.

Reflecting on this initiative, LSC said: “With its use of simple language, minimal legal jargon, and engaging illustrations, the handbook serves as a user-friendly tool for survivors, support providers, and community advocates alike. This initiative would not have been possible without the invaluable partnership with Durga India, led by Priya Varadarajan, whose insights and expertise were instrumental throughout the project.

The Legal Services Clinic also gratefully acknowledges the academic mentorship of Aishwarya Birla, Assistant Professor of Law, NLSIU and Malini Chidambaram, (former) Assistant Professor of Law, NLSIU and extends heartfelt thanks to the team of contributors and design volunteers who brought the handbook to life.”

Looking ahead, LSC and Durga India plan to translate the handbook into Kannada and distribute it widely within local communities, furthering their shared mission of legal empowerment and gender justice.