The Indian Constitution has put in place various laws and rights for the protection and security of the citizens. Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness and no legal education or guidance, most citizens are unaware of their rights. Due to this, they are often taken advantage of or endure losses in cases where they are on the right side, especially in today’s times, where it is impossible to turn on the news channel and not see the news of another horrible crime happening in broad daylight. It is, therefore, very crucial that the citizens of the country be aware of their rights and laws made for them. The following is a compilation of many laws and rights that should always be known to everyone.
A Police Officer cannot refuse to lodge an FIR
The first thing that any aggrieved person does is lodge an official police complaint with the nearest police station or the police station of the area of the crime. However, it has been noticed that the police sometimes refuse to register an FIR, and they persuade the person to proceed without it; this can be due to political influence or the police officer’s internal or external bias. It is important to know that no police officer can refuse to lodge an FIR in such a case. The complaint has to be written down in their official records. If the officer refuses to do so, he can be jailed for six months to 1 year.
Only a female Constable can arrest a woman
Only women constables and officers can arrest women; male constables are not allowed to arrest a woman. The woman to be arrested has the right to demand a female constable, and the demand must be fulfilled.
A woman cannot be arrested from 6 pm to 6 am
A woman can refuse to be arrested after 6 pm and before 6 am. If she is forcefully detained, she has the right to file a complaint against the officers.
Right To Information Act, 2005
The right to information is a fundamental right of citizens according to the RTI Act. Any citizen of India has the right to request information from any public institution or authority. The concerned authority is required to revert within 30 days.
Right to Life, Article 21
Under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, the Right to Life states that every citizen has a right to life and that nobody, not even the government, has the authority to end your life. The government is mandatorily required to take appropriate measures to protect the life of citizens.
Hotels cannot refuse to let you use their washroom
Whether they are a small establishment or a 5-star restaurant, Hotels or restaurants cannot stop you from using the washroom facility of the premises.
Legal notice for bounced cheques
Payments are often made through cheques, and in such cases, it is only when the cheque is produced in the bank we can know whether we have received the actual payment or not. When a cheque bounces, the payee can immediately contact a lawyer and send a legal notice to the payer. If the payment is still not received within 15 days of the legal notice, then criminal charges can be filed against the defaulter, and he can also be given jail time.
Vehicle parking lots
If the exit of your vehicle is entirely blocked by another vehicle parked, then you have the right to call the police and complain against the vehicle owner, who will be fined for blocking the way in a parking lot.
A Police Officer is always on duty
Any police officer or constable is always on duty. If any incident takes place that requires a police officer’s presence or action, they cannot say that they are off duty or that they are not in their uniform.
Women can lodge complaints online or even through post
Women all over India can lodge and register their complaints online on the website [email protected], which is the website of the National Commission for Women. They can also send an email or send a post to their local police station if they cannot go there themselves.
It is always important to know about the fundamental rights and laws that individuals have as citizens of India. Basic knowledge about these rights can always be of help in tough times.