7 Legal Rights That Every Woman Should Know

The West Bengal government recently passed the “Aparajita” bill, which seeks to strengthen laws against rape and sexual assault on women. This development raises an important question: Is the law enough to protect women from general harassment?

While many women are aware of some of their legal rights, there are many laws in place at both the national and state levels designed to protect women that are less well known. It is vital for every woman and girl to know about these rights. Let’s explore seven basic legal rights every woman in India should know.

Seven basic legal rights of women

Check out the 7 legal rights that have been implemented to ensure the safety and protection of women in general, whether they are working women or housewives.

1. The right to equal pay for equal work

Under the Equal Pay Act, women have the right to equal pay for equal work. The law prohibits discrimination based on sex in wages, pay or salary.

This empowers working women to demand and receive equal pay with their male colleagues.

2. Right to workplace protection

Under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, women have the right to report incidents of sexual harassment at the workplace. If a female employee is harassed, she can file a complaint with the office’s internal complaints committee.

Under the POSH Act, any company with 10 or more employees is required to set up an internal complaints committee to receive and handle complaints about sexual harassment in the workplace.

3. The right to be free from domestic violence

Article 498 of the Indian Constitution protects women from verbal, financial, emotional and sexual abuse and other forms of domestic violence. Offenders can be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole

The law also provides legal protection for women who are victims of domestic violence.

4. Right to anonymity in sexual assault cases

Women victims of any form of sexual assault have the right to record their statements before the District Magistrate either alone or in the presence of a woman police officer to protect their right to privacy.

This ensures the confidentiality of the entire legal process, thereby maintaining the privacy of the victim.

5. Right to dignity and decency

Any medical examination of a female defendant must be conducted by or in the presence of another woman to protect her rights to dignity and decency. It is illegal to conduct any kind of physical or mental examination in the presence of only male officials.

This clause guarantees privacy and courteous treatment of women throughout the legal proceedings.

6. Right to free legal aid

The Legal Services Agency Act provides free legal aid to female rape victims. This provision guarantees that women can get legal aid and representation when they encounter difficulties.

7. The right not to be arrested at night

In serious cases, the police can arrest women after sunset and before sunrise only with an order from a first-class magistrate. Normally, the police are not allowed to arrest women at night.

The law also requires that a female officer and other family members or friends be present when police question or interrogate female prisoners.

Every woman in India should be aware of the rights granted to them by the government. There are many laws in India that specifically protect women and ensure their safety and well-being.