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One nation, 29 states, 7 Union territories and too many laws. And, keeping up or remembering each and every one of them isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, unless you’re a law student or a law practitioner. You probably know your basic fundamental rights and duties, a la all the Civics lessons in high school. But are you aware of other basic laws regulated by the Indian Legal System?
Without dollops of legal intricacies involved, we chanced upon a Quora thread by Leena Dhakad, where she’s enlisted basic Indian laws you should be aware of.
1. According to Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956, married couples cannot adopt two children of same sex.
2. In 2011, the Ministry of Women and Child Development ruled out against single man adopting a girl child in order to keep adoption clean and safer, except when the adoptive father is twenty-one years older than the adopted female.
3. Article 39 (A) of Constitution of India grants equal pay to men and women at their work places.
4. Under Section 497 of Indian Adultery Penal Code, a married man who commits adultery with an unmarried woman or widow upon the latter’s consent, can’t be charged for the offence.
5. A woman can lodge a complaint via an email or registered post to Deputy Commissioner or Commissioner of Police if she is unable to go to police station.
6. According to Indian Sarais Act, 1887 any individual can ask for water free of charge from any hotel at any time for themselves and their pets. Furthermore, he or she can use the washroom for free, and no one can stop them. It is your right to demand water from any hotel at any time.
7. Under Section 14 of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955, a couple cannot register a petition for divorce within a year of marriage. However, if the High Court feels that the petitioner is experiencing immense problems then the former can permit the latter to file for divorce.
8. Considering that there is absolutely no semblance of driving etiquette, Sec 121 of the Motor Vehicles Act is far from being implemented. While driving signalling by the driver regarding his/her intentions to stop or take a left or right turn is mandatory. If he does not do so, the driver can be prosecuted under Sec 121 of MV act!
9. Prostitution (exchange of money for sex) is legal but, organised prostitution may be pimping, brothel-keeping and soliciting sex in any other way is illegal.
10. While buying immovable property (like land or flat) – Giving a public notice in the newspaper is a must. It doesn’t matter which one. It need not be English. Any state language too will do. And any newspaper with some circulation will do. This Public notice is what protects your interest in the court of law if you face any litigation regarding your purchased property.
11. Live-in relationships are not illegal in India. Also, children born of union are entitled to inheritance rights.
12. Giver and taker of bribe could serve 6–7 years of jail time.
13. If you have been fined once in the day you maybe excused after that. Riding around without a helmet can land you into trouble, but once you are fined for it, the chalaan slip can get you out of being fined for the same till midnight. Yes, but this is not an encouragement to do so. Be safe while driving.
14. You don’t have to pay the MRP, you can buy for less. MRP is the Maximum Retail Price. As consumers, you have the right to bargain for a price below that. However, a seller can not go beyond the MRP.
15. If your cylinder explodes you are entitled to Rs. 40 lakh cover! Many of us are unaware that domestic LPG consumers are entitled to a cover of Rs. 40 lakh in case of loss of life or damage to property due to cylinder explosions.
Helpful, right?!
The content of this article has been taken from Quora with required permission from the author.
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