Every Indian woman deserves to live with dignity, safety, and equality. While our society is evolving, understanding your legal rights is crucial to stand strong against injustice and empower others.
Here are ten legal rights every Indian woman must know and use when needed:
- The Right to Equal Pay
Law: Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
Women cannot be paid less than men for the same work or work of similar nature. If you’re doing the same job as your male colleague, the law ensures you both deserve equal pay.
- The Right Against Workplace Harassment
Law: Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
You have the right to a safe working environment. Every office with 10+ employees must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address complaints of sexual harassment.
- The Right to Maternity Benefits
Law: Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (amended in 2017)
Women working in establishments with 10 or more employees are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for the first two children. There are also provisions for nursing breaks and crèche facilities.
- The Right to Say NO
Law: Section 375, Indian Penal Code (IPC)
A woman has complete autonomy over her body. Even in a relationship or marriage, consent matters. Non-consensual sex is punishable under law, except within marriage (marital rape is still not criminalized in India for women above 18 — a subject of ongoing debate).
- The Right to Register a Complaint Without Fear
Law: CrPC Section 154
A woman can lodge a police complaint at any police station, and she has the right to file an FIR with a female officer. If she is unable to visit the station due to trauma or medical conditions, she can request the police to come to her.
- The Right Against Domestic Violence
Law: Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
This law protects women from physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse by family members. Women can also seek protection orders, residence rights, and maintenance.
- The Right to Property
Law: Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (amended in 2005)
Women have equal rights in ancestral property. Daughters have the same rights as sons in their father’s property, regardless of whether the father is alive at the time of the amendment or not.
- The Right to Free Legal Aid
Law: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
Women (especially victims of violence or economically weaker sections) are entitled to free legal services. Legal aid clinics and district legal services authorities can help you connect with a government-appointed lawyer.
- The Right to Abortion
Law: Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (amended in 2021)
A woman has the right to terminate a pregnancy up to 24 weeks (under specific conditions). Her consent is mandatory, and no one — not even a spouse — can force her against her will.
- The Right to Privacy and Dignity
Law: Various provisions under IPC & CrPC
A woman has the right to privacy during arrest and investigation. She cannot be arrested after sunset and before sunrise, except in exceptional circumstances and with a female officer’s presence.
These laws are powerful tools — but only when we know and use them. At SheLit, we believe that legal awareness is the first step toward a more equal and just society for women. Share this article with the women in your life and let’s create a network of informed and empowered sisters.