How Tanya Appachu Kaul Uses Instagram To Bridge Gap Between Law And Public

Tanya Appachu Kaul is an Instagram influencer and lawyer who is on a mission to make the law accessible and relatable to everyone. Through her engaging content, Kaul dispels myths and misconceptions surrounding legal matters, empowering her followers with knowledge and confidence.

In a conversation with SheThePeople, Tanya Appachu Kaul discussed how, with a unique approach to presenting complex legal concepts, she is bridging the gap between the law and the public, making a positive impact in the digital world.

Tanya Appachu Kaul Interview

How do you think your page and similar platforms have the potential to bridge this gap by offering a relatable and approachable legal perspective?

My main objective as a lawyer and Instagram influencer is to make the law accessible to everyone. I believe that legal knowledge should not be limited to a select few but should be available to all in a simple, relatable, and easy-to-understand manner.

Through my Instagram page and content, I strive to provide a sense of comfort and understanding, filling the gap where traditional family lawyers may not always meet the needs of individuals seeking legal information. Traditional barriers that often discourage individuals from seeking legal advice, such as intimidation, lack of time, or not knowing where to start, are overcome through these platforms. By offering a relatable and approachable legal perspective, the lawyer's page and similar platforms provide an invaluable resource for individuals seeking clarity and understanding in the legal realm. They not only simplify complex concepts but also create a supportive environment where people can engage, learn, and navigate the law with confidence.

Share an example of a legal topic or issue that you have successfully addressed on your platform and the impact it has had on your audience.

One example that left a lasting impact on my platform was a video I created about the basic rights of a married woman. Unexpectedly, the video gained significant attention and resonated with many viewers. Months later, I received a message from a girl who had come across the video. She was facing a difficult situation with her in-laws, who wanted her to leave the marital home. However, she remembered the information from my video and confidently asserted her right to stay in her own home. This experience highlighted the power of providing accessible legal information on platforms like Instagram and reaffirmed my commitment to making a difference by empowering individuals with legal knowledge.

What are your comments on the Madras High Court's decision that homemakers are entitled to an equal share of their husbands' assets?

The recent judgement on asset division in divorce cases is a significant milestone, considering the absence of specific laws in place. It is commendable that the judge took such a stance. However, it is important to approach each case individually rather than applying a blanket rule of dividing assets equally in every divorce case. This is especially crucial in a country where a significant percentage of women are homemakers and may not have their own sources of income.

Dividing assets equally in every case without considering the unique circumstances would be unfair to men. Justice cannot be served by applying a one-size-fits-all approach. The recent Madras High Court judgement, for example, recognised the contributions of a wife who had supported the family for 30 years while her husband worked abroad. The assets acquired during that time were a result of her efforts. However, it may not be appropriate to apply the same principle to cases where marriages are of shorter duration.

While the judgement is much-needed and beneficial for women who have not been able to accumulate assets or wealth of their own, it should be approached on a case-by-case basis. The law should provide necessary support to non-working women who have struggled to create assets independently. It strikes a balance by acknowledging the contributions of homemakers but should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution for all divorce cases.

Shed some light on some of the things that are normalised during a relationship or dating but are illegal.

There are indeed laws in place to address illegal behaviours that can occur in relationships. For example, under the Information Technology Act, explicit content, including explicit messages or sending nudes, can be deemed illegal. However, it is important to note that the enforcement and interpretation of these laws can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the presence or absence of consent.

While the laws exist, it is essential to recognise that their application is generally triggered when one party files a complaint against the other for non-consensual or harmful actions. Consensual actions between individuals in a relationship, where both parties are in agreement and no issues arise, would typically not be subjected to legal consequences.

It is important to be aware of these laws and their potential implications, even in the context of dating and relationships. However, it is equally important to ensure that actions are based on mutual consent and respect to avoid any legal complications or harm to either party involved.

Talking about consent, recently an MP court asked the Centre to lower the age of consent, what are your thoughts on that?

I mean, to think of it, 16-year-olds are mature enough to make decisions like having sexual relationships, so bringing down the age of consent will definitely help avoid messy situations of false cases. It'll give access to abortion rights in the country because, right now, if you are under 18 and you're pregnant and you go to the hospital, the hospitals are liable. They have to go and file a police complaint because if they've got a minor girl, they have to report it to the police, and it's going to become a police case. So this means 16- to 17-year-olds who have probably gotten pregnant cannot access legal abortions. They cannot go to a good hospital. They might have to end up going to a back alley hospital or a doctor and getting an abortion done or paying someone a lot of money to get something done. So this is not safe for them. So bringing down the age of consent would probably be effective. 

Also, I feel that the law has to change as per needs, and right now it is a need because we can't stop teenagers from having sex. We really can't manage to do that. So unless and until you find a way to do that, it is better to change the law to accommodate it and ensure that they are having safe sex to ensure that they have access to safe healthcare. So there are no false cases being filed. So I think it's a good move.

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