Indian Constitution has
provided several rights to the people to protect their fundamental rights, but
unfortunately, most people are not aware of their rights. Below are some laws
and the rights which not only protect people's interests but also ease their
daily life.
1. 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.
2. Penalised for
receiving gifts? Yes, they can be bribes.
It has become a
tradition for companies to send gifts! As these gifts can be carefully veiled
bribes, the law is a smart move by the government to avoid situations of
bribery.
3. Only female
officers can escort women to the police station
Not only do male
officers have no right to escort a woman but she can refuse to go to the police
station between 6 pm to 6 am. In case of a serious crime, a written permit from
the magistrate is required for male officers to escort her.
4. The tax recovery
officer can arrest and release you
In case of tax
violations, the TRO has the right to arrest you, though a summon has to be
sent. The tax commissioner only decides how long can you be in custody, but
your release will be decided by the TRO. This has been mentioned in the
Income-tax Act, 1961 .
5. No traffic violation
laws for non-motorised vehicles
Though it has been clarified
that a golf cart is not allowed on the road but there aren't any penalties
against non motor vehicles like a cycles or rickshaws, since they don't fall
under the Motor Vehicles Act.
6. Women can lodge
complaints through emails
Guidelines issued by the
Delhi Police entitle women to the privilege of registering a complaint via
email or even through post if she can't go to the police station.
7. Live-in relationships
are not illegal
Though it is frowned
upon in our country, but as long as both the adults are ready to stay together,
live-in relationships are not illegal. Moreover, live-in relationships are
considered to be 'equal to marriage' if certain conditions are met few of which
are pooling of financial and domestic arrangements, entrusting the responsibility,
sexual relationship, bearing children, socialization in public and intention,
conduct of the parties, etc. This is done to protect women under the Domestic
Violence Act. Also, children born out of live-in relationships have the right
to inherit their parent's property.
8. Political parties
can solicit your vehicle during elections
During the time of
elections, a political party can solicit your car or bike for campaigning
purposes after deciding a settlement with you. Also, parties cannot offer free
rides to and fro from poll booths.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. If you aren't paid,
file a complaint immediately
The Limitation Act
states that if you aren't paid by someone who is contracted to pay you, you
need to file a complaint within 3 years. After that time period your suit most
likely will be dismissed, so being lazy about this is not an option.
12. 3 months in jail
for PDA! (Public Display of Affection)
PDA within its limits
is allowed but any obscene activity is punishable by law for upto 3 months.
Since the word obscene has not been defined, couples are often harassed by
policemen.
13. Head constables
have limited prosecution power
No head constable can
fine you for any offence which has penalty more than 100.
14. A police officer is
always on duty, literally
The 1861 Police Act
clearly states that a police officers is always on duty. If he or she witnesses
an act of crime or if an incident is brought to their knowledge they can't say
"I am not on duty" even if they aren't in uniform. Of course, they
are entitled to some rest because of the the hard work that they put in to
their work.
15. The no sex divorce
As funny as it sounds,
if a husband or a wife refuse sex post marriage, it can be deemed as 'mental
cruelty' and is a viable reason for divorce.
