Know Your Rights: 10 Legal Safeguards Every Indian Woman Should Know

Every day we hear about crimes against women which makes us ponder about women's safety in India. Despite several legal rights, women in India have to deal with criminal ordeals. While the government is taking several steps to ensure security for women, Advocate Sonal Gupta, Supreme Court of India has shared the rights that Indian women have.

"Where vibrant blooms dance in hues,

There, our spirits gently fuse.

In lands where women's rights ascend,

Harmonies of progress transcend."

Having said this, Women's legal rights in India are the radiant sunrise breaking the shadowed veil of inequality. Like the major 2005 amendment to the Hindu Succession Act, offering women equal rights to claim a share in the ancestral legacies, to the resounding affirmation by the Supreme Court of a woman's sexual autonomy, these rights compose a dawn that illuminates a path.

Women Have the Right To Equal Pay

As per the Equal Remuneration Act, of 1976, one cannot be discriminated against based on gender when it comes to salary. Thus, women have the right to get an equal salary for the position they are serving, as compared to men.

Women Have The Right To Dignity And Decency

As per the law, women in India cannot be medically examined by a man in the absence of another female.

Women Have The Right Against Workplace Harassment

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, of 2013 states that women can file complaints against any kind of sexual harassment at their workplace.

Women Have A Right Against Domestic Violence

Section 498 of the Indian constitution, grants Indian women (homemakers right) the right to stand against domestic violence (including verbal, economic, emotional and sexual) posed by her husband, boyfriend or his family.

Women Have The Right To Get Free Legal Aid

According to Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 women rape victims have the right to get free legal help from the legal authorities.

Women Have Right Not Be Arrested At Night

Unless there is an order of the first class magistrate in an exceptional case, women in India cannot be arrested after sunset and before sunrise. Also, a woman has the right to be interrogated at her residence only in the presence of a female constable.

Women Can File Virtual Complaints

Indian constitution grants a woman the right (couple protection right) to file virtual complaints via email, or through registered post. If a woman is not in a condition to physically visit the police station, the SHO will send a female police constable to her residence to record the complaint.

Don't Miss:Protests Erupt In IIT BHU After Female Student Allegedly Molested On Campus; 3 Women Share Their Experience

Women Have The Right Against Being Stalked

According to section 354D of the IPC, women can take legal action against a stalker. The complaint is valid in all kinds of stalking cases.

Women Have A Right To Zero FIR

A woman can file an FIR at any police station irrespective of the location of the incident or specific jurisdiction it falls under. This is considered as Zero FIR which can later be transferred to the respective police station.

Don't Miss:Rashmika Mandanna's Deepfake Video Goes Viral; Amitabh Bachchan Supports Legal Action Against It

Women Have The Right To Abortion

All Indian women have the right to abortion for 24 weeks irrespective of their marital status.

Take note of these rights and use them if needed.