Know Your Rights is designed to translate law into everyday understanding. This section focuses on practical rights that affect citizens in daily life, explained clearly and without legal jargon.
Your Right to Protection Against Arbitrary Arrest
Every citizen has the constitutional right to personal liberty. Arrest is not meant to be routine or automatic. The law requires that arrests be justified, necessary and proportionate to the offence alleged.
A person cannot be arrested merely because an offence is cognisable. The police must record reasons for arrest and demonstrate the need for custodial action, such as preventing tampering with evidence or ensuring presence during investigation.
What you should know:
- You have the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest
- You have the right to inform a family member or friend
- You have the right to legal representation
- Arrest must follow due procedure, not assumption
Your Right to Bail as a Rule, Not an Exception
Bail is the norm in most offences where the punishment is not severe. Courts have repeatedly stated that denial of bail must be based on clear reasons, not on the nature of the accusation alone.
Excessive or impractical bail conditions are discouraged. Bail is intended to secure the presence of the accused during trial, not to punish them before conviction.
What you should know:
- Bail should not be denied arbitrarily
- Conditions imposed must be reasonable
- Economic hardship must be considered by courts
Your Right to Consumer Protection
As a consumer, you are protected against defective goods, deficient services and unfair trade practices. Sellers and service providers cannot avoid responsibility by relying on technical excuses.
You have the right to approach consumer forums without engaging a lawyer. Complaints can be filed online and relief can include refund, replacement, compensation or corrective action.
What you should know:
- Warranty and service commitments are enforceable
- Delay alone cannot defeat a genuine claim
- Consumer forums favour substance over technicality
Your Right to Fair Treatment in Marriage and Separation
Marriage laws recognise the right of individuals to seek legal remedies without unnecessary hardship. Courts have clarified that procedural waiting periods should not prolong suffering where a marriage has irretrievably broken down and parties have settled disputes amicably.
Mutual consent divorce is based on agreement, dignity and fairness, not punishment or delay.
What you should know:
- Courts can waive rigid procedural timelines in appropriate cases
- Settlement of issues is a key factor
- The focus is on justice, not formality
Your Right to Data Privacy
When you share personal information with an organisation, you have the right to know how it will be used, stored and protected. Businesses are expected to handle personal data responsibly and transparently.
Misuse or unauthorised sharing of personal data can attract legal consequences.
What you should know:
- Consent must be meaningful and informed
- Data should be used only for stated purposes
- You can question how your data is handled
Your Right to Travel Without Harassment
Passengers are entitled to clear information about travel rules, including baggage limits. While railways permit free luggage within prescribed limits, charges may apply for excess baggage.
Awareness of rules protects passengers from disputes and inconvenience.
What you should know:
- Free allowance has size and weight limits
- Excess luggage must be booked and paid for
- Clarity reduces conflict during travel