Know Your Rights
Direct answers to questions people actually ask about Indian law. Every answer names the section it comes from and links to the source it was drawn from.
183 questions answered
- Criminal LawBNS Section 205Section 205, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Can I be punished for wearing a police uniform without being a police officer?
Yes, you can be punished with up to 3 months in prison, a fine up to ₹5,000, or both.
- Criminal LawBNS Section 114Section 114, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
What actions are defined as 'hurt' under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Hurt means causing bodily pain, disease, or infirmity to any person.
- Powered by IKanoonTraffic & MotorSection 173 MV ActSection 173, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Can I appeal a motor vehicle claims tribunal award if I disagree?
Yes – you may appeal to the High Court within 90 days, but if you must pay you need to deposit up to Rs 25,000 (or half the award, whichever is less) and the dispute must be at least Rs 1 lakh.
- Powered by IKanoonTraffic & MotorSection 166 MV ActSection 166 in The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Who can file a claim for compensation after a motor vehicle accident?
The injured person, the property owner, the deceased’s legal heirs, or an authorized agent can file a claim.
- Powered by IKanoonTraffic & MotorSection 181 MV ActSection 181 in The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
What penalty can I face if I drive against sections 3 or 4?
You may be jailed up to three months, fined up to ₹5,000, or both.
- Powered by IKanoonTraffic & MotorSection 133 MV ActSection 133 in The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
What must I do if police ask me for driver details of my vehicle?
You must give the police the driver’s name, address and licence information that you have or can reasonably discover.
- Powered by IKanoonTraffic & MotorSection 134 MV ActSection 134, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
What must I do if I'm the driver after a crash and someone is injured?
You must try to get medical help for the injured and report the accident to police within 24 hours.
- Powered by IKanoonTraffic & MotorSection 158 MV ActSection 158, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
What documents do I need to show a police officer when I'm driving?
You must show your insurance, registration, pollution‑control certificate, licence, and for transport vehicles, fitness certificate and permit.
- Powered by IKanoonTraffic & MotorSection 147 MV ActSection 147, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Do I need third‑party insurance for my vehicle and what does it cover?
Yes, you must have a third‑party policy from an authorized insurer that covers death or injury to occupants and third‑party property caused by the vehicle’s use in public places.
- Powered by IKanoonDowry & DomesticSection 3 Dowry Prohibition ActSection 3, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
What punishment does the law impose if I give or take a dowry?
You may be sentenced to at least five years in prison and fined at least fifteen thousand rupees, unless the gift falls under the listed exceptions.
- Powered by IKanoonDowry & DomesticSection 4 Dowry Prohibition ActSection 4, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
What punishment does the law impose for demanding dowry?
Demanding dowry can lead to imprisonment of at least six months up to two years and a fine up to ₹10,000, though a shorter term may be ordered for special reasons.
- Powered by IKanoonDowry & DomesticSection 7 Dowry Prohibition ActSection 7 in The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Who can file a dowry case and which courts can hear it?
Only a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class can try dowry offences, and the case must start from a police report, a complaint by the victim/relative, or a recognized welfare organization.
- Powered by IKanoonDowry & DomesticSection 6 Dowry Prohibition ActSection 6, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
If my father receives my dowry instead of me, must he give it to me and what happens if he doesn't?
Yes, he must transfer the dowry to you within three months and can be jailed or fined if he doesn't.
- Powered by IKanoonDowry & DomesticSection 2 Dowry Prohibition ActSection 2 in The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
What counts as dowry under the Dowry Prohibition Act?
Dowry includes any property or valuable security given or promised, directly or indirectly, by either spouse, their parents, or any other person, at any time before, during, or after marriage, except dower or mahr for Muslims.
- Powered by IKanoonDowry & DomesticSection 5 Dowry Prohibition ActSection 5, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Is a marriage agreement that includes dowry legally enforceable?
No, any agreement to give or take dowry is considered void and cannot be enforced.
- Powered by IKanoonConsumerSection 15 Consumer Protection ActSection 15, Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Who conducts investigations under the Consumer Protection Act?
The Central Authority’s Investigation Wing, led by a Director‑General, carries out inquiries under the Act.
- Powered by IKanoonConsumerSection 2 Consumer Protection ActSection 2, Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Am I a consumer if I bought a product on credit?
Yes, buying goods on credit for personal use makes you a consumer under the Act.
- Powered by IKanoonCheque BounceSection 138 NI ActSection 138, The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
What happens if my cheque bounces because I don’t have enough money?
If your cheque bounces for insufficient funds, you can be prosecuted and may face up to two years in jail, a fine up to twice the cheque amount, or both, provided certain steps are followed.
- Powered by IKanoonCheque BounceSection 139 NI ActSection 139 in The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
When I get a cheque, does the law assume it’s to pay my debt?
Yes, the law presumes the cheque is for settling a debt unless someone proves otherwise.
- Powered by IKanoonCheque BounceSection 118 NI ActSection 118, Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
What default assumptions does the law make about a cheque or other negotiable instrument?
The law assumes the instrument was made for value, dated correctly, accepted promptly, transferred before it matures, endorsed in order, properly stamped if lost, and that the holder is a holder in due course, unless proven otherwise.
- Powered by IKanoonCheque BounceSection 142 NI ActSection 142, Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
Can I still file a case for a bounced cheque after the one‑month deadline?
You must file a written complaint within one month, but the court may accept a later filing if you show a good reason.
- Powered by IKanoonCheque BounceSection 141 NI ActSection 141 in The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
If my company bounces a cheque, can its managers be held criminally liable?
Yes, managers who were in charge of the business at the time can be treated as guilty unless they prove they didn’t know and exercised due diligence.
- Powered by IKanoonCheque BounceSection 20 NI ActSection 20, Negotiable Instruments Act
If I hand over a stamped blank paper, can the receiver fill it in and hold me liable for the amount?
Yes, by signing and delivering a stamped blank or incomplete paper you give the holder the right to complete it, and you are liable for the amount up to the stamp value to a holder in due course.
- Powered by IKanoonCheque BounceSection 147 NI ActSection 147 in The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
Can I settle a bounced cheque case privately without going to court?
Yes, offences under the Negotiable Instruments Act can be compounded, allowing the parties to settle privately.
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation. Speak to a lawyer.