10 Important Laws That Every Indian Should Know

Author : Palak Khanna

Updated On : February 9, 2024

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The Constitution of India is the world's longest written constitution of any country in the world, containing 448 articles divided into XXV Parts, has XII schedules & 105 amendments and it took 2 Years 11 Months and 17 Days to complete it.

In this article, you will learn about the 10 Important Indian Laws that every Indian Should Know.

The country has a vast set of laws and regulations that govern various aspects of life, ranging from personal relationships to business transactions.

online law certificate courses

online law certificate courses

It is essential to understand some of the critical laws that every Indian should know. 

Important Laws to Know In India

There are many laws, but below, we have mentioned the 10 Indian laws that everyone should know if they choose Law as a Career after the 12th.

1. Police Act of 1861

The first and one of the main laws that every Indian should know is that police are never off duty., and this statement comes under the Police Act of 1861.

The Police Act of 1861 is an act regulating Police. Police - officers are always on duty and may be employed in any part of the district. 

  • This law means that a police officer is never off duty, whether wearing the police uniform or normal clothes. Once a policeman is always a policeman. 
  • The policeman has all the power while he is in his uniform or his home clothes.
  • The entire police - establishment under a State Government shall, for this Act, be deemed to be one police - force and shall be formally enrolled; and shall consist of such number of officers and men, and shall be constituted in such manner, as shall from time to time be ordered by the State Government. 
  • The superintendence of the police throughout the general police - district shall vest in and shall be exercised by the State Government to which such district is subordinate, and except as authorized under the provisions of this Act, no person or officer of the Court shall be empowered by the State Government to supersede or control any police functionary. 
  • The Inspector-General of Police shall have the full powers of a Magistrate throughout the general police - district but shall exercise those powers subject to such limitation as may, from time to time, be imposed by the State Government. 

CLAT Online Coaching

CLAT Online Coaching

2. Maternity Benefit Act of 1961

  • Section 4 in the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 states that a pregnant woman cannot be fired., and no employer/boss can fire a pregnant woman. If any woman cannot attend their office due to pregnancy, her boss cannot fire her due to the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961.
  • Employment of or work by women is prohibited during certain periods.: 

(i). Section 4(1) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - No employer shall knowingly employ a woman in any establishment during the six weeks immediately following the day of her delivery [miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy].

(ii). Section 4(2) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - No woman shall work in any establishment during the six weeks immediately following the day of her delivery [miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy].

(iii). Section 4(3) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - Without prejudice to the provisions of section 6, no pregnant woman shall, on a request being made by her on this behalf, be required by her employer to do during the period specified in subsection (4) any work which is of an arduous nature or which involves long hours of standing, or which in any way is likely to interfere with her pregnancy or the normal development of the fetus, or is likely to cause her miscarriage or otherwise to affect her health adversely.

Read MoreShort Tricks to Crack Law Entrance Exams on the First Attempt

(iv). Section 4(4) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - The period referred to in sub-section (3) shall be: -

(a). Section 4(4)(a) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - The period of one month immediately preceding the period of six weeks before the date of her expected delivery.

(b). Section 4(4)(b) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - any period during the said period of six weeks for which the pregnant woman does not avail of leave of absence under section 6.

3. Gas Cylinder Rules of 2004 & Explosives Act of 1884

  • In states and cities of India, we have heard a lot of news of LPG cylinders exploding. Because of this, many people died or got injured, and their property was also damaged.
  • If accidentally the LPG cylinder explodes, then LPG customers can get insurance coverage up to Rs. 40 lakhs. 
  • This case comes under the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004, and Explosives Act, 1884.
  • If, in any case, the LPG cylinder exploded in your house, then under Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004 and Explosives Act, 1884, you can claim an insurance cover of up to Rs. 40 lakhs.
  • Many people do not know about this law at all. But this law exists and gives you great benefits in case of an accident through an LPG Gas cylinder.

Don't MissShort Tricks to Study Legal Reasoning for Law Entrance Exams

online law certificate courses

online law certificate courses

4. Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956

  • There is a unique law related to the adoption of children. That law is Section 11 in the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956.
  • The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 states that if any single mother wants to adopt any child, she can adopt any child, whether a boy or girl, whichever she wishes and wants to adopt.
  • This case doesn’t apply to single men. If any single man wants and wishes to adopt any child, he can only adopt a boy, not a girl. 
  • In section 11(iii) in the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, if a single man wants to adopt a female child, then there is only one case in which that is possible, i.e., only if the father is at least 21 years older than the girl child which he wants to adopt. 
  • In section 11(iii) in the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, if a single woman wants to adopt a male child, then there is only one case in which that is possible, i.e., only if the father is at least 21 years older than the boy child which he wants to adopt. 

Know HereTop Government Law Colleges in India

5. Article 21 of the Constitution of India

There is a controversial topic like Love Jihad, i.e., related to Live- Relationships.

  • This topic is considered Taboo in India, and in Indian cinema, many movies are also made on this Live- in Relationship topic.
  • In the 2005 judgment, live-in relationships are made legal in India. 
  • The live-in relationship is not considered illegal in India since the 2005 judgment. 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 properties.
  • Under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, life-in relationships are considered legal and lawful.
  • The Supreme Court further held that live-in relationships are permissible and that the Act of two adults living together, in any case, cannot be considered illegal or unlawful.
  • Recently, the Allahabad High Court stated that the right to stay in a live-in relationship is covered under Article 21, Right to life and personal liberty. The court stated that a couple in a relationship could live together, and no person has the right to interfere in their peaceful living.

6. Section 294 of the IPC

 A problem in India, like live-in relationships, i.e., the Public Display of Affection.

  • Under Section 294 of the IPC, the public display of affection is an offence. If any couple shows obscenity in public, it is only an offence.
  • If the couple displays affection towards each other within a limit, it is legal; otherwise, it is illegal.
  • Public Display of Affection is legal if done within the limit. Then also, many couples have to face harassment by police officers because the police officers or the couples are unaware of this Law.
  • But there is a problem that obscenity is not defined in this law, so the couples themselves have to be within limits because if they cross their limit in a public place, then that is an offence.
  • Under section 294 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), creating aggravation to others through ‘obscene acts’ is a criminal offense with a punishment of imprisonment of up to 3 months or a fine, or both.

Read More10 Signs to Become a Lawyer

7. Consumer Protection Act of 1956

 Any shopkeeper cannot sell any product for more than the price mentioned on the product. That price mentioned on the product is the MRP (Maximum Retail Price).

  • This is your right. If any shopkeeper sells the product more than the mentioned MRP, you can file a complaint against them in the consumer court.
  • You have the right to bargain on the MRP mentioned in the product. The customer can ask for a discount from the shopkeeper anytime. But the discount depends on whether the shopkeeper wants to give it.
  • Under the Consumer Protection Act of 1956, any customer can file a complaint against the shopkeeper who charges more than the mentioned MRP (maximum retail price). 
  • You can ask for a discount on any item, whether big or small, but the shopkeeper cannot take more than the maximum retail price mentioned on the product.
  • As per the Legal Metrology Act 2009, if the shopkeeper sells a product at a price higher than the mentioned MRP price, he or she is liable to pay a fine or face imprisonment for that crime. 
  • The shopkeeper is not able to put a price tag over the already printed price.

Check Out: Upcoming Law Entrance Exams

8. The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955

There is a law for couples that if they want to get a divorce, they can get a divorce not before 1 year of their marriage. To get a divorce, the minimum time is 1 year. They have to be in a marriage for 1 year. After that, only they can file or get a divorce.

  • Section 14 of The Hindu Marriage Act 1955. States that either husband or wife can file a divorce petition per the Act's provisions after one year from the date of marriage. No divorce petition can be filed within one year of marriage as per Section 14 of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955.
  • Divorce can be filed after one year of marriage, but there is an exception n also in each and every law. So under family law, there is also an exception, i.e., a couple can create file a divorce or get a divorce before 1 year under the Act of divorce by mutual consent
  • The husband and wife can get a divorce before 1 year by filing a petition of divorce under the family law act under the condition of divorce by mutual consent. This means that the husband and wife are mutually deciding to get a divorce in 1 year. And that they do not want to continue their marriage at all.

9. Section 46(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure

The ninth most important law everyone should know is that if a male police officer has to arrest a female criminal, he cannot get to this at some specific time.

  • The male police officer cannot arrest a female criminal between 6 pm to 6 am. They will require only a female police officer to arrest them if they have to arrest them.
  • But after 6 am till 5 pm in the evening, if the male officer has to arrest any female criminal, then he can do so because, in this time slot, the male officer has the power to arrest any female criminal.
  • Women cannot be arrested between 6 Pm to 6 Am. This law comes under Section 46(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • Section 46 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 provides for the arrest mode. 
  • Section 46 (4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 states that no woman shall be arrested after sunset and before sunrise by any male police officer.

Read MorePlacements at the Top 10 Law Universities

10. Section 51(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure

Last but not least is also one of the important and basic laws that every Indian should know, i.e., the right to arrest any woman only lies in the hands of the female police officer.

  • Only a lady police officer can search a woman; this law comes under Section 51(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • The provision of Section 51(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 states that whenever it is necessary to search a woman criminal, then that search should be performed by another female police officer only with strict decency.
  • If the female police officer is unavailable while arresting a female criminal, the female criminal can refuse to go to the police station.
  • But there is an exception in many laws. So in this law also, there is an exception, i.e., in the case of serious female offenders like murder or half murder, any police officer, whether male or female, can arrest that offender. But in that case, the male police officer will also require permission from the magistrate to arrest that female offender immediately if there is no female police officer.

CLAT Mock Tests

CLAT Mock Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 most common types of law?

What are the 5 most important laws?

What are the 2 divisions of law?

What are the 7 types of laws?

What type of law is most in demand?

10 Important Laws That Every Indian Should Know

Author : Palak Khanna

February 9, 2024

SHARE

The Constitution of India is the world's longest written constitution of any country in the world, containing 448 articles divided into XXV Parts, has XII schedules & 105 amendments and it took 2 Years 11 Months and 17 Days to complete it.

In this article, you will learn about the 10 Important Indian Laws that every Indian Should Know.

The country has a vast set of laws and regulations that govern various aspects of life, ranging from personal relationships to business transactions.

online law certificate courses

online law certificate courses

It is essential to understand some of the critical laws that every Indian should know. 

Important Laws to Know In India

There are many laws, but below, we have mentioned the 10 Indian laws that everyone should know if they choose Law as a Career after the 12th.

1. Police Act of 1861

The first and one of the main laws that every Indian should know is that police are never off duty., and this statement comes under the Police Act of 1861.

The Police Act of 1861 is an act regulating Police. Police - officers are always on duty and may be employed in any part of the district. 

  • This law means that a police officer is never off duty, whether wearing the police uniform or normal clothes. Once a policeman is always a policeman. 
  • The policeman has all the power while he is in his uniform or his home clothes.
  • The entire police - establishment under a State Government shall, for this Act, be deemed to be one police - force and shall be formally enrolled; and shall consist of such number of officers and men, and shall be constituted in such manner, as shall from time to time be ordered by the State Government. 
  • The superintendence of the police throughout the general police - district shall vest in and shall be exercised by the State Government to which such district is subordinate, and except as authorized under the provisions of this Act, no person or officer of the Court shall be empowered by the State Government to supersede or control any police functionary. 
  • The Inspector-General of Police shall have the full powers of a Magistrate throughout the general police - district but shall exercise those powers subject to such limitation as may, from time to time, be imposed by the State Government. 

CLAT Online Coaching

CLAT Online Coaching

2. Maternity Benefit Act of 1961

  • Section 4 in the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 states that a pregnant woman cannot be fired., and no employer/boss can fire a pregnant woman. If any woman cannot attend their office due to pregnancy, her boss cannot fire her due to the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961.
  • Employment of or work by women is prohibited during certain periods.: 

(i). Section 4(1) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - No employer shall knowingly employ a woman in any establishment during the six weeks immediately following the day of her delivery [miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy].

(ii). Section 4(2) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - No woman shall work in any establishment during the six weeks immediately following the day of her delivery [miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy].

(iii). Section 4(3) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - Without prejudice to the provisions of section 6, no pregnant woman shall, on a request being made by her on this behalf, be required by her employer to do during the period specified in subsection (4) any work which is of an arduous nature or which involves long hours of standing, or which in any way is likely to interfere with her pregnancy or the normal development of the fetus, or is likely to cause her miscarriage or otherwise to affect her health adversely.

Read MoreShort Tricks to Crack Law Entrance Exams on the First Attempt

(iv). Section 4(4) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - The period referred to in sub-section (3) shall be: -

(a). Section 4(4)(a) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - The period of one month immediately preceding the period of six weeks before the date of her expected delivery.

(b). Section 4(4)(b) in the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 - any period during the said period of six weeks for which the pregnant woman does not avail of leave of absence under section 6.

3. Gas Cylinder Rules of 2004 & Explosives Act of 1884

  • In states and cities of India, we have heard a lot of news of LPG cylinders exploding. Because of this, many people died or got injured, and their property was also damaged.
  • If accidentally the LPG cylinder explodes, then LPG customers can get insurance coverage up to Rs. 40 lakhs. 
  • This case comes under the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004, and Explosives Act, 1884.
  • If, in any case, the LPG cylinder exploded in your house, then under Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004 and Explosives Act, 1884, you can claim an insurance cover of up to Rs. 40 lakhs.
  • Many people do not know about this law at all. But this law exists and gives you great benefits in case of an accident through an LPG Gas cylinder.

Don't MissShort Tricks to Study Legal Reasoning for Law Entrance Exams

online law certificate courses

online law certificate courses

4. Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956

  • There is a unique law related to the adoption of children. That law is Section 11 in the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956.
  • The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 states that if any single mother wants to adopt any child, she can adopt any child, whether a boy or girl, whichever she wishes and wants to adopt.
  • This case doesn’t apply to single men. If any single man wants and wishes to adopt any child, he can only adopt a boy, not a girl. 
  • In section 11(iii) in the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, if a single man wants to adopt a female child, then there is only one case in which that is possible, i.e., only if the father is at least 21 years older than the girl child which he wants to adopt. 
  • In section 11(iii) in the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, if a single woman wants to adopt a male child, then there is only one case in which that is possible, i.e., only if the father is at least 21 years older than the boy child which he wants to adopt. 

Know HereTop Government Law Colleges in India

5. Article 21 of the Constitution of India

There is a controversial topic like Love Jihad, i.e., related to Live- Relationships.

  • This topic is considered Taboo in India, and in Indian cinema, many movies are also made on this Live- in Relationship topic.
  • In the 2005 judgment, live-in relationships are made legal in India. 
  • The live-in relationship is not considered illegal in India since the 2005 judgment. 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 properties.
  • Under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, life-in relationships are considered legal and lawful.
  • The Supreme Court further held that live-in relationships are permissible and that the Act of two adults living together, in any case, cannot be considered illegal or unlawful.
  • Recently, the Allahabad High Court stated that the right to stay in a live-in relationship is covered under Article 21, Right to life and personal liberty. The court stated that a couple in a relationship could live together, and no person has the right to interfere in their peaceful living.

6. Section 294 of the IPC

 A problem in India, like live-in relationships, i.e., the Public Display of Affection.

  • Under Section 294 of the IPC, the public display of affection is an offence. If any couple shows obscenity in public, it is only an offence.
  • If the couple displays affection towards each other within a limit, it is legal; otherwise, it is illegal.
  • Public Display of Affection is legal if done within the limit. Then also, many couples have to face harassment by police officers because the police officers or the couples are unaware of this Law.
  • But there is a problem that obscenity is not defined in this law, so the couples themselves have to be within limits because if they cross their limit in a public place, then that is an offence.
  • Under section 294 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), creating aggravation to others through ‘obscene acts’ is a criminal offense with a punishment of imprisonment of up to 3 months or a fine, or both.

Read More10 Signs to Become a Lawyer

7. Consumer Protection Act of 1956

 Any shopkeeper cannot sell any product for more than the price mentioned on the product. That price mentioned on the product is the MRP (Maximum Retail Price).

  • This is your right. If any shopkeeper sells the product more than the mentioned MRP, you can file a complaint against them in the consumer court.
  • You have the right to bargain on the MRP mentioned in the product. The customer can ask for a discount from the shopkeeper anytime. But the discount depends on whether the shopkeeper wants to give it.
  • Under the Consumer Protection Act of 1956, any customer can file a complaint against the shopkeeper who charges more than the mentioned MRP (maximum retail price). 
  • You can ask for a discount on any item, whether big or small, but the shopkeeper cannot take more than the maximum retail price mentioned on the product.
  • As per the Legal Metrology Act 2009, if the shopkeeper sells a product at a price higher than the mentioned MRP price, he or she is liable to pay a fine or face imprisonment for that crime. 
  • The shopkeeper is not able to put a price tag over the already printed price.

Check Out: Upcoming Law Entrance Exams

8. The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955

There is a law for couples that if they want to get a divorce, they can get a divorce not before 1 year of their marriage. To get a divorce, the minimum time is 1 year. They have to be in a marriage for 1 year. After that, only they can file or get a divorce.

  • Section 14 of The Hindu Marriage Act 1955. States that either husband or wife can file a divorce petition per the Act's provisions after one year from the date of marriage. No divorce petition can be filed within one year of marriage as per Section 14 of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955.
  • Divorce can be filed after one year of marriage, but there is an exception n also in each and every law. So under family law, there is also an exception, i.e., a couple can create file a divorce or get a divorce before 1 year under the Act of divorce by mutual consent
  • The husband and wife can get a divorce before 1 year by filing a petition of divorce under the family law act under the condition of divorce by mutual consent. This means that the husband and wife are mutually deciding to get a divorce in 1 year. And that they do not want to continue their marriage at all.

9. Section 46(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure

The ninth most important law everyone should know is that if a male police officer has to arrest a female criminal, he cannot get to this at some specific time.

  • The male police officer cannot arrest a female criminal between 6 pm to 6 am. They will require only a female police officer to arrest them if they have to arrest them.
  • But after 6 am till 5 pm in the evening, if the male officer has to arrest any female criminal, then he can do so because, in this time slot, the male officer has the power to arrest any female criminal.
  • Women cannot be arrested between 6 Pm to 6 Am. This law comes under Section 46(4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • Section 46 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 provides for the arrest mode. 
  • Section 46 (4) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 states that no woman shall be arrested after sunset and before sunrise by any male police officer.

Read MorePlacements at the Top 10 Law Universities

10. Section 51(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure

Last but not least is also one of the important and basic laws that every Indian should know, i.e., the right to arrest any woman only lies in the hands of the female police officer.

  • Only a lady police officer can search a woman; this law comes under Section 51(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • The provision of Section 51(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 states that whenever it is necessary to search a woman criminal, then that search should be performed by another female police officer only with strict decency.
  • If the female police officer is unavailable while arresting a female criminal, the female criminal can refuse to go to the police station.
  • But there is an exception in many laws. So in this law also, there is an exception, i.e., in the case of serious female offenders like murder or half murder, any police officer, whether male or female, can arrest that offender. But in that case, the male police officer will also require permission from the magistrate to arrest that female offender immediately if there is no female police officer.

CLAT Mock Tests

CLAT Mock Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 most common types of law?

What are the 5 most important laws?

What are the 2 divisions of law?

What are the 7 types of laws?

What type of law is most in demand?

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