According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), around 4,45,256 crimes against women were registered in India in 2022. The major categories included domestic violence (31.4%), kidnapping (19.2%), assault on modesty (18.7%), and rape (7.1%). While these figures are from 2022, concerns around crimes against women have continued to rise in recent years.
The aforementioned data serves as a reminder that every woman in India needs to be aware of her safety and rights, making it important to understand the laws designed to protect and empower women. Mansi Sahu, a content creator, in an Instagram post dated April 5, 2026, shared laws that every woman in India should know.
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Safety and protection laws
Here are the laws that ensure the protection of women against criminal offences:
- Right to Zero FIR – You can file an FIR at any police station, regardless of where the incident happened.
- Section 354 IPC – Protection against assault or criminal force to outrage modesty.
- Section 354A IPC – Protection against sexual harassment (physical contact, demand for favours, etc.).
- Section 354B IPC – Assault with intent to disrobe a woman.
- Section 354C IPC – Voyeurism (watching/recording without consent).
- Section 354D IPC – Stalking (online/offline).
Domestic and relationship rights
Here are the domestic and relationship rights every woman needs to be aware of:
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – Protection from physical, emotional, verbal, and economic abuse.
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 – Giving/taking dowry is illegal.
- Section 498A IPC – Cruelty by husband or relatives.
- Right to maintenance – Under CrPC Sec 125, a woman can claim maintenance.
Workplace rights
Here is the list of workplace rights that every working woman should keep a note of:
- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 – Protection against workplace harassment (POSH Act).
- Right to maternity benefits – Under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (paid leave, job security).
Child protection laws
These laws provide protection to children in India:
- POCSO Act, 2012 – Protection of minors from sexual offences.
- Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006 – Prevents child marriage.
Marriage and divorce rights
Here are the laws that protect a married woman’s rights in India:
- Right to free consent in marriage – Forced marriage is illegal.
- Right to divorce – Available under personal laws (Hindu, Muslim, etc.).
- Right to streedhan – Full ownership over gifts received before/after marriage.
Legal and fundamental rights
These are the legal and fundamental rights given to every citizen for their safety:
- Right to privacy – Recognised under Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India.
- Right to equal pay – Under the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.
- Right to free legal aid – Under the Legal Services Authorities Act.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them. This article is for informational purposes only.
