Being aware of our legal rights as an Indian citizen is also a fundamental duty we have towards the empowerment of the society and eventually the nation. While we may be familiar with some of our legal rights, either through schools, literature, conversations, they better not be hearsay and knowing them can make a significant difference in our daily lives. This Independence Day, let us explore these rights and conclude how they can be instrumental in our interactions and decision-making.
1) Right to File an FIR: The most recent one covered through media, movies, and other mediums; police officers cannot refuse to register an FIR. This right ensures that the complaints are taken seriously and investigated, instead of being ignored and a lesser number of crimes reported in the area by the force.
2) Right to Claim a Refund: It guarantees a full refund in case of dissatisfaction at the consumers' end with a purchase or delivery of a paid service, due to any acceptable criteria for faults or deviance from specifications. The vendor cannot deny such a provision.
3) Right of Maintenance: Indian CrPC provides for the maintenance of the wife, children, and parents - including adoptive and step, by an adult on whom they are dependent upon, and thus ensures well-being and financial security.
4) Right to Legal Action Against Traffic Police: If a traffic police officer unlawfully snatches the vehicle key, by force or otherwise, a legal action can be taken against the said officer. This ensures fair treatment and accountability on everyone's part in law enforcement.
5) Right Under Police Act: Police officers are always considered on duty, irrespective of the fact whether in uniform or not, but what is noteworthy is this law ensures due delivery of duties even if they are officially on leave, in terms of helping the victim or citizen instead of undue and unjustified exhibition or use of power to exert benefit or for an ulterior motive.
6) Right to Free Legal Aid: The Indian Constitution provides for free legal aid to those who cannot afford legal representation.
7) Right to Life and Personal Liberty: A couple who are lawfully consenting adults in a relationship (marital or live-in) could live together, and no person has the right to interfere in their peaceful living. If the persons living in a relationship have children, then each of their children will also get a part of their parent's self-acclaimed property.
8) Right Against Cheque Bounce: The Negotiable Instruments Act makes bouncing a cheque a punishable offense. If a cheque received has bounced against payment, legal action can be taken for this criminal offense to recover the due amount.
9) Right Under Maternity Benefit: No pregnant woman can be denied maternity benefits or be terminated from employment by any company, during the sanctioned maternity leave.
10) Right to Information: Right to information is a basic right of all Indian people. Any Indian citizen may seek information from public authorities, and the authority is required to respond at the earliest possible to an extent of maximum 30 days from the filing of petition, with a special provision of having the information furnished within 48 hours if the petitioner's life or freedom are at stake.
Knowing the legal rights empowers everyone to make informed decisions, stand up against genuine injustices, and demand fair treatment through the right channels. By ensuring that the appropriate legal system is abided by all stakeholders in the country, it helps design a better society, uphold the dignity, equality, and justice in the country and shape up a brighter future for our beloved motherland.
