The Chief Justice of India Mr K G Balakrishnan has observed that violence against women is a major obstacle towards achieving equality, development and peace. <br/>Addressing the inaugural session of the National Conference of the All India Federation of Women Lawyers in Kochi today, the Chief Justice expressed concern that violence against women in various forms continues unabated despite the UN Declaration on Elimination of Violence against Women. <br/>He noted that gender based discrimination is a complex web and some forms of discrimination are defended by invoking customs and practices. Observing that law is an agent of social change, the Chief Justice said the symbolic value of legistlative and judicial interventions should not be underestimated as it helps to reshape social modes and customs. <br/>