YD News | Three-minute Read
- Having laws is of no value if women are not aware of them
- In this article, you will get to understand some “must know” rights for women in India
A lot of women in India are not aware of the rights the constitution of India and Indian law provide them. To know what is just and what is unjust, it is necessary to know the legalities and rights. Being aware of it and having proper knowledge about it is really important.
Ever since the call for gender equality has echoed, several laws have been invoked to protect the rights of women in India. The Indian constitution offers exclusive rights to women. Many laws of the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act work for the protection of women rights. Women have exclusive rights against violence, harassment, inequality and abuse.
Having laws is of no value if women are not aware of them. In this article, you will get to understand some “must know” rights for women in India.
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Right to Privacy for Women
Any woman who has survived sexual harassment, exploitation or rape, has the right not to disclose her identity. She also has the right to record her statement in private. Moreover, the woman has the choice to give her statement just in front of the district magistrate without being overheard by any other official. Other than that, the woman also have the choice to record her statement in front of a lady police officer.
Right to no arrest
This is the right that is most talked about on the internet. Every woman in India must know that she can’t be arrested between 6 PM and 6 AM. Basically, the police can’t arrest a woman after sunset and before sunrise. If the police want to arrest a woman, they need to seek prior permission from the magistrate. Also, the arrest can only be made by a lady police officer.
Right to legal aid
In India, women in India are entitled to claim free legal services from the legal service authorities that are recognized under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Just for an instance, as per a Delhi Court ruling, whenever a rape is reported in Delhi, the SHO has to give information about it to the Legal Services Authority. After that, the authority arranges a lawyer for the victim. It is to be noted that there are district, state and national level legal service authorities.
Women can’t be forcefully called to police station
Under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code, women can’t be called to a police station for interrogation. A woman in India need not be physically present at the police station for any kind of questioning. However, the police can interrogate the woman at her residence in the presence of a woman constable. Also, the family members or friends of the woman can be present during the questioning.
The Zero FIR
The Zero FIR ruling by the Supreme Court protects the rights of women. The police can’t say no to a woman. A rape victim can register her complaint with the police at any police station under the Zero FIR ruling. Many times, the police try to avoid such complaints and avoid responsibility. Therefore, women can file Zero FIR at any police station. Not many women are aware of it and must get relevant information about it.