The Indian Constitution has given the populace various rights to preserve their basic human rights, but the majority of people are unaware of these rights.
The Indian public is entitled to a number of protections for their lives, property, and way of life. From Constitutionally backed up Fundamental Rights to ordinary rights, The various sections of the Constitution and subsequent laws provide several rights. Let us see some of the unique rights that every citizen must be aware of in contemporary society.
Women can only be arrested before sunset
According to the Indian Penal Code, a woman shall be arrested only after sunset and before sunrise, and where such exceptional circumstances exist, the woman police officer shall, by making a written report, obtain the prior permission of the Judicial Magistrate before arresting the same.
Kissing or hugging in public is not a crime
The Supreme Court of India has observed that kissing or hugging is not a crime in India and does not come under unnatural offences until they are obscene in nature and are affecting public life.
40 Lakh cover for cylinder blast damage
Every licensed LPG distributor in the country and their customers are covered under this policy which guaranteed a benefit payout of up to Rs.40 lakh depending on the damage if the cylinder explodes. This policy is called the Public Liability Policy for Oil Industries.
Right not to pay a fine for the same offence
Unless it’s overspeeding, a person cannot receive a fine for the same offence twice. However, the offender will need to pay the fee again if he misplaced the receipt for the prior fine and is using the car in another state.
Freedom to visit any hotel
According to the Indian Sarais Act, 1887 citizens can ask for free water in hotels and can directly use the washroom. The Act formed during the British rule reads that hotels and lodges should allow access to toilets and provide free water for passersby. This means that the access is free irrespective of whether you are a customer or not.
Also read Women’s rights under indian constitution
Pregnancy Job Right
According to Maternity Benefit Act,1961 It is unlawful for an employer to discharge or dismiss a pregnant worker during or on account of absence due to pregnancy, delivery or any post-natal illness. It may be punishable by a maximum of 3 years of imprisonment.
Compensation for blasts
Few individuals are aware that the gas company is responsible for compensating the victim with Rs. 50 lakh if their gas cylinder explodes while they are cooking food.
A police officer is always on duty
Police officers are always on duty. If they receive any complaint or notice any crime happening around them, they cannot say “I am not on duty”. This rule is applicable even if they are not in uniform.
A single man cannot adopt a girl child
The Juvenile Justice Act prohibits a single male from legally adopting a girl kid. This is the relevant provision of the act: The prospective adoptive parents shall be physically fit, financially sound, intellectually alert, and highly motivated to adopt a kid in order to provide him with a good upbringing.
No Citizen who is arrested can be detained longer than 24 hours+
The Constitution of India provides that any person arrested and detained in custody must be produced before the nearest magistrate within 24 hours of his arrest and no person can be detained beyond the period of 24 hours without the authority of the magistrate.
Also read 10 Rights That Women Should Know In India
Adultery is not an offence
The act of adultery is charged with imprisonment for five years, or fine, or both. However, this colonial-era arbitrary law was changed in the below-mentioned case and now it is no longer considered a crime. In today’s age, Adultery is only considered a valid ground for divorce
Free Legal Aid to Woman
To advance their welfare, every woman has a right to free legal assistance.
One of the fundamental liberties protected by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is the right to free legal representation.
Therefore, providing everyone with legal help is essential for ensuring substantive equality.
Equal inheritance of Parent’s property.
Daughters and sons had equal rights regarding succession under the Hindu Succession Act of 2005. Sons and daughters did not have the same privileges prior to 2005. Only unmarried daughters at the time had the legal right to inherit their father’s ancestral properties. However, as of 2005, daughters now have the same rights as sons.
No traffic police officer can take away the keys of a two-wheeler
If a traffic police personnel removes the keys from your car, you should film the incident and complain before the senior officer at the nearest police station, legal proceedings can be initiated against him for doing such an act.
Right of parents to be maintained by their children
The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956 (HMA) obligates children to maintain their parents. The liability or duty to maintain parents lies on both daughters and sons. Only those parents that are not able to maintain themselves from any source have the right to seek maintenance under HMA.
Right against the Cheque Bounce
The payee may file a criminal complaint if a check bounces as a criminal offence. Within 30 days of the expiration of the 15-day period following the issuance of the notification of check bounce, the payee must present the Magistrate with a complaint regarding the check bounce.
Right to Claim a Refund
Every consumer has the right to a full refund under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 if they are unhappy with their purchase or unable to enjoy the services they have paid for. In fact, it is immoral and illegal to state “No exchange or refund” on bills and invoices.
Right to Information
The basic objective of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Public Authorities, contain corruption, and make our democracy work for the people in a real sense.
No Divorce before 1 year of Marriage
Section 14 of the Hindu Marriage Act mandates that any petition for dissolution of marriage is not maintainable within one year of marriage. Therefore, you cannot file a divorce petition within six months of marriage unless there is any exceptional hardship. Without proving the exceptional hardship the court will dismiss your divorce petition
Live In Relationship Right
Younger boys and girls who want to maintain a “live-in relationship” will do so because it is not against the law. Even the subsequent child from this union has full rights to his or her father’s property and can be considered an authorised son or daughter.
Limitation Act Right
You may be able to file an FIR against your employer within three years if they fail to pay you. If you report after three years, however, you won’t receive the required payment.
Right to equal pay for equal work-
Equal pay for equally hard labour is required by the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, a piece of legislation. They should receive equal compensation if two or more people performed the same task under comparable conditions.
Here were the 22 rights that every Indian should be aware and should use them ethically for the harmony and social, political and economic development of our society.