Centre Notifies Women’s Reservation Act 2023 Even As Parliament Debates Amendments To Delay Rollout Till 2029

The Womens Reservation Act, 2023, which provides 33% reservation for women in legislatures, officially came into force on Thursday, April 16, 2026, after the Union Law Ministry issued a notification bringing the law into operation.

The move has triggered sharp political reactions, especially because Parliament is currently debating amendments linked to the same law and its implementation timeline.

Law Notified Even As Parliament Debates ChangesAccording to the notification issued by the Union Law Ministry, the Womens Reservation Act, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, has now formally come into force from April 16, 2026.

However, the timing of the decision has raised immediate questions in political circles.

It remains unclear why the Centre chose to notify the 2023 legislation at this stage, particularly when Parliament is in the middle of discussions to amend the same law for its eventual implementation in 2029.

An official, when asked about the timing, cited only technicalities for bringing the law into force, but did not offer any detailed explanation.

Reservation Will Not Apply To Current HouseDespite the Act now being in force, the 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies will not be implemented immediately.

An official clarified that the quota cannot be enforced in the current House. This means that while the law has become operational on paper, its actual political impact will still be delayed.