While we live in a free country, there’s no denying the unfortunate situations one faces, especially women, where they are mistreated in the name of justice. The Indian government protects Indian women's rights by keeping an eye on a number of women's issues. Unfortunately, many women are unaware of their rights.
Here are 11 rights that an Indian woman has in India based on gender equality.
1. Right To Equal Pay
When it comes to salary, pay, or earnings, one cannot be discriminated against on the basis of sex, according to the Equal Remuneration Act (1976). Working women have the right to be paid just as much as their male peers.
2. Right To Dignity And Decency
Every woman has the right to a dignified life devoid of fear, compulsion, assault, or prejudice. The law is particularly respectful of women's dignity and modesty. Sexual Harassment (Section 354A), assault with purpose to disrobe her (Section 354B) or insult her modesty (Section 354), Voyeurism (Section 354C), Stalking (354D), and other crimes against women are all punishable under the law.
In the event that the woman is suspected of a crime and arrested, she is treated with civility. Her arrest and search should be conducted by a woman police officer with the utmost courtesy, and her medical examination should be performed by a woman medical officer or under the supervision of a woman medical officer. In instances of rape, a female police officer should register the FIR as soon as possible.
3. Right Against Workplace Harassment
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013) allows a woman the ability to make a complaint at her workplace if she is subjected to any form of sexual harassment. She has three months to file a written complaint with an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at a branch office under this act. Apart from that, under section 354A of the IPC, Sexual Harassment is punishable by imprisonment for a period of one to three years.
4. Right Against Domestic Violence
Domestic violence (including verbal, economic, emotional, and sexual) by a husband, male live-in partner, or family is prohibited under Section 498 of the Indian Constitution, and was passed in 2005. The accused shall be sentenced to a term of non-bailable imprisonment of up to three years and shall also be fined.
5. Right To Keep Identity Anonymous, In The Case Of Sexual Assault
A woman who has been sexually attacked may record her statement alone before a district magistrate when the matter is under trial, or in the presence of a female police officer, to ensure that her privacy is respected.
6. Right To Free Legal Aid
Female rape victims have the right under the Legal Services Authorities Act (1987) to get free legal aid or assistance from the Legal Services Authority, which is responsible for finding her a lawyer.
7. Right To Not Be Arrested At Night
A woman cannot be arrested after sunset and before daybreak unless there is an extraordinary case on the orders of a first-class magistrate. Furthermore, the rule stipulates that a woman can only be interrogated at her home by the police in the company of a female constable and family members or friends.
8. Right To Register Virtual Complaints
Women can file virtual complaints by e-mail or write a complaint and mail it to a police station from a registered postal address, according to the law.
In addition, the SHO sends a police officer to her residence to document her complaint.
If a woman is unable to physically go to a police station and submit a report, this option is available.
9. Right Against Indecent Representation
It is illegal to depict a woman's figure (her form or any aspect of her body) in any way that is indecent, disparaging, or likely to deprave, corrupt, or impair public decency or morals.
10. Right Against Being Stalked
If an offender follows a woman, tries to contact her to encourage physical engagement frequently despite a clear indication of disinterest, or monitors a woman's usage of the internet, email, or any other kind of electronic communication, he or she may face legal action under Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
11. Right To Zero FIR
The Zero First Information Report (FIR) is a type of police report that can be submitted at any police station, regardless of where the incident occurred or what jurisdiction it falls under. The Zero FIR can then be transferred to the police station that has jurisdiction over the matter.
The Supreme Court made this decision to save the victim's time and prevent a perpetrator from walking free.