For any civilized society to function, people need to follow the laws. We obey laws to fulfil our moral obligations and to avoid legal consequences. But if people are not aware of laws then how can they follow them? Listed below are some of the Indian laws people need to know about.
Law for Motorists
- While driving, your blood alcohol level should be at 0.03% (30 mg) per 100 ml. If the blood alcohol level exceeds the limit then the Indian law states that police can arrest you without a warrant.
- The Indian Motor Vehicle Act states that wearing a helmet is compulsory for two-wheeler riders. The law also limits a maximum of two riders on the two-wheeler.
- It is illegal for traffic police officers to snatch the key from the car or motorcycle. Citizens have legal rights in India to launch legal action against the officer.
- If you are penalized for a crime then you will not be penalized for the same crime on the same day.
Laws for Women
- Women’s rights in India state that officers cannot arrest women before 6 A.M. and after 6 P.M. In case of a serious crime, and only after acceptance of the written order from the judge, a female police officer can arrest a woman after hours.
- Only female police constables can arrest women.
- Women have the legal right to lodge complaints through emails. Delhi Police allow women to register a complaint via email or even via post if she isn’t able to go to the police station.
- A company cannot fire a pregnant woman. It is a punishable offence and can lead to a maximum of 3 years of imprisonment.
- To know more about the women’s rights in India click here.
Laws for Police Officers
- Police officers can’t refuse to file an FIR. If they do so, they could be jailed for up to a maximum of 1 year.
- A police officer is always on duty whether they are wearing a uniform or not. If an individual makes a complaint to a police officer, they have to help them even if they are off duty.
Laws for Couples
- If a young couple wants to live together in a “live-in relationship” it is legal to do so. The newborn from this relationship is also a legal offspring and has full legal rights in the assets of their father.
- People found involved in “obscene activity” or PDA (Public Display of Affection) at a public place, can be imprisoned for 3 months. But due to the lack of an exact definition of obscene activity in Indian law, some police officers misuse this act and harass the couple.
Other Miscellaneous Laws
- In the cases of tax violation, the tax collection officer has to send a notice before arresting people.
- If a gas cylinder blasts during the cooking, then the gas company is responsible to pay INR 50 lac to the victim as compensation. To claim the compensation, victims need to file an FIR to the police station and submit it to the gas company.
- If you take a present from any corporation on the occasion of a festival, it is considered bribery. People can also be sentenced to jail for this crime.
- People have legal rights in India to use hotel washrooms without purchasing anything. Hotels cannot prevent you from drinking potable water and using their washrooms.
- Shop keepers can’t charge more than the MRP (Maximum Retail Price) of any product. But consumers have the legal right to bargain for less than the MRP of the product.
- If a Hindu has a son or grandson then they can’t adopt a second child.
- The adoptive father/mother should be at least twenty-one years older than the child.
Knowing these simple laws can help you deal with legal situations better. These laws can help you and others in times of legal emergencies thereby saving you from any unwanted situation. We hope it helps you in the future. Stay safe and follow rules for the safety of all.