15 Laws and Rights must be known to every Indian

The Indian legal system has given a lot of power to the people of the country. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of this power. Being a citizen of India, it is very important for you to be aware of the laws and rights that exist in the country. Apart from basic laws and rights, there are certain important laws and rights which everyone must know.

• Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Section 46:- 

Only women police constable can arrest women. Male constable doesn’t have the right        to arrest women.
In the case of a serious crime only after receipt of the written order from the magistrate,        a male policeman can arrest a woman.

• Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 

Section 46:- 

No woman shall be arrested after sunset and before sunrise, unless the circumstances are extraordinary.

• Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 166 A:- 

A police officer can’t refuse to lodge an FIR in a cognizable offence if he/she does so they could be jailed for up to 6 months to 2 year.

• Motor Vehicle Act 1988, 

Section -185, 202:-

At the time of driving if your 100ml. blood contains more than 30mg. of alcohol then the police can arrest you without a warrant.

• Motor Vehicle Act, 1988:-

As per section 129 of the Indian motor vehicle act, wearing the helmet is a must for two-wheeler riders. Section 128 of this motor vehicle act limits the maximum two riders on the bikes.

This  also says that if the traffic police officer snatches the key from the car or motorcycle, it is illegal. You have the full right to launch a legal proceeding against the officer.

• Automotive (Amendment) Bill, 2016:- 

If you are fined for a offence (like riding without a helmet or any other reason) then you will not be fined for the same reason in the same day.

• Indian Sarais Act, 1887:- 

Even any 5-star hotel can’t prohibit you from drinking potable water and using its washrooms.

• Police Act, 1861:- 

A police officer is always on duty whether he/she wearing a uniform or not. If a person makes a complaint to the officer, he/she could not say that he can’t help the victim because he/ she is not on duty.

• Maternity Benefit Act, 1961:-

No company can fire a pregnant woman. It may be punishable by a maximum of 3 years of imprisonment.

If the company (government or private) has more than 10 employees then the pregnant women employee is eligible to get 84 days paid maternity leave.

• Maximum Retail Price Act, 2014:- 

Any shop keeper can’t charge more than the printed price of any commodity but a consumer has the right to bargain for less than the printed price of a commodity.

• Income Tax Act, 1961

Rule 73 of The Second Schedule:-

In the case of tax violations, the tax collection officer has the power to arrest you but before arresting you, he/she will have to send a notice to you. Only tax commissioner decides how long you will stay in the custody.

• As per the Citizen Charter

(Indian Oil Corporation website):-

There are very few people who know that if their gas cylinder blasts during the cooking of food then the gas agency is liable to pay Rs. 50 lakh to the victim as compensation.

• Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

According to Article 39-A of the Indian Constitution, the government has enacted the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free legal aid service to all the individuals who cannot afford to opt for the lawyer. An application has to be filed with the Legal Services Authority with the request for a lawyer which in turn will provide a lawyer for the said purpose.

• Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

Cheque Bounce

If you have received payment via a cheque, which later bounces, you should immediately contact a lawyer and give a legal notice to the person who is supposed to pay you. If you do not receive payment within 15 days of the legal notice, then you can file a criminal suit against that person under section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 and he might go to jail for it.

• Limitation Act, 1963:-  

If your office does not pay you then you have the right to file an suit against it within 3 years. But if you file a suit after 3 years, you will not get anything for the dues.

Here's video of law and rights every Indian Should know -