Kara Sears
India is known for its rich culture, diversity, and deep-rooted traditions, and its laws reflect this. While some laws showcase the country's progressive mindset, others may seem strange or amusing to outsiders. From restrictions on public behaviour to unusual regulations on jobs, these laws offer a unique insight into India's legal landscape. So, what are some of these bizarre laws? Well, in some Indian states, public displays of affection are banned, and in the southern state of Kerala, walking backwards is prohibited. There are also laws that seem outdated, such as the aircraft act that prohibits flying a kite and the Indian Treasure Trove Act, which requires citizens to report any treasure valued at more than ten rupees. Read on to discover more of these intriguing laws from India.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal drinking age | Varies from state to state. The legal drinking age is 18 in some states and 25 in others. |
| Suicide | Illegal, but not if successful. |
| Prostitution | Legal, but pimping, brothels, and prostitution rings are illegal. |
| Chewing gum | Banned in Maharashtra. |
| Same-sex marriage | Not recognised as legal. |
| Kite-flying | Illegal without a permit. |
| Aircraft | Defined as "any machine which can take uphold in the air from the reactions of the air", including inflatables, kites, airships, flying machines, and gliders. |
| Locusts | Residents of Delhi must answer to the beat of a drum on the street to drive out locusts. |
| Land acquisition | The government can deprive landlords of large tracts of land for government spaces and buildings. |
| Religious criticism | Illegal. |
| Adultery | Illegal for men, but not for women. |
| Child abuse | No laws against nonsexual child abuse. |
| Rape | Not gender-neutral. |
| Treasure | If someone finds treasure worth more than 10 rupees, they must report it to the authorities. |
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What You'll Learn
Adultery laws differentiate between men and women
India is known for its lengthy constitution, which is the longest written constitution in the world. As a result, there are many laws that are considered strange, unjust, unfair, or outdated.
One such example is the adultery law, which previously discriminated between men and women. Under Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, a man who engaged in consensual sexual intercourse with a married woman who was not his wife could be punished with up to five years of imprisonment, a fine, or both. However, the woman was exempt from punishment, and a married woman could not file a complaint against her adulterous husband. This law was based on the notion that a wife was considered the property of her husband and could not have relations outside of marriage.
The adultery law was challenged multiple times in court by petitioners arguing that it was discriminatory towards men and treated women as objects or property. In 2018, a 5-judge bench of the Supreme Court unanimously struck down Section 497 as unconstitutional, stating that it violated Articles 14 of the Constitution of India. The Court held that the law perpetuated gender stereotypes and denied women dignity and sexual autonomy.
While adultery is no longer a criminal offence in India, there have been recent discussions about reinstating it as a gender-neutral offence to protect the institution of marriage. However, critics argue that the legal system should not regulate whom one sleeps with, and that the focus should be on the expectations of fidelity in marriage rather than criminalising adultery.
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Strict requirements for motor vehicle inspectors
India is known for its lengthy constitution, which is the longest written constitution in the world. As a result, the country has many laws that must be followed. One such law stipulates the requirements for becoming a motor vehicle inspector in Andhra Pradesh, which include having good teeth. While this may seem like an unusual requirement, it is indeed a prerequisite for the job, along with other physical and educational qualifications.
Motor vehicle inspectors in India are responsible for conducting thorough inspections of various vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and public transport vehicles like buses. They play a crucial role in ensuring road safety and environmental standards by checking for mechanical defects, safety standards compliance, and adherence to pollution control measures. Inspectors are also tasked with verifying documents such as permits, licenses, and insurance, as well as educating vehicle owners and drivers about road safety and regulations.
To become a motor vehicle inspector in India, candidates must meet certain strict requirements. Firstly, they must possess a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or automobile engineering from a recognised university or institution. This educational qualification ensures that inspectors have the necessary knowledge and understanding of various types of vehicles and their working mechanisms.
In addition to their academic credentials, candidates for motor vehicle inspector positions must also satisfy specific physical criteria. These requirements can vary but generally include a minimum height and chest measurement, good eyesight, and the absence of colour blindness. Notably, the Andhra Pradesh Transport Subordinate Service specifies that candidates must brush their teeth twice a day to prevent tooth decay, as decayed teeth can lead to disqualification from the job.
While the requirement for good teeth may seem peculiar, it is important to note that motor vehicle inspectors in India have significant responsibilities. They are entrusted with ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles, protecting the environment through pollution control measures, and promoting adherence to vehicle regulations. Therefore, the stringent requirements for motor vehicle inspectors in India, including dental hygiene, are designed to ensure that these professionals are well-equipped to carry out their duties effectively and maintain the highest standards in their crucial role.
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Prohibition on flying kites
India has the longest written constitution in the world and, as a result, has a lot of laws that need to be followed. One such law that may seem strange to some is the prohibition on flying kites without a permit.
According to the Indian Aircraft Act of 1934, a kite is considered an aircraft, and thus, one needs a permit to fly one. This law has been met with surprise by many, as kite flying is a beloved pastime in India, with people of all ages enjoying it. The law states that flying a kite without a permit is a criminal offence, punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to one million Indian rupees.
The law has sparked debates about its relevance and enforceability, with some arguing that it is an outdated and unnecessary restriction. Despite the law, kite flying festivals are still celebrated in India, and many people are unaware of the permit requirement.
While some strange laws in India, like this one, are seen as odd or unnecessary, others have more serious implications. For example, Section 377 of the Indian legal code criminalises same-sex relationships, which contradicts the country's status as a democracy and goes against individual freedom of choice. Similarly, while prostitution is legal in India, related activities such as pimping, brothels, and prostitution rings are illegal, creating a confusing and contradictory legal landscape.
India's complex legal system, with its lengthy constitution and varying state-level laws, has resulted in a mix of strange, outdated, and unjust laws that are often at odds with each other and the country's cultural and social realities.
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Public displays of affection are banned
India is known for having the longest written constitution and, therefore, has many laws that must be followed. One of the strange laws in India is that public displays of affection are banned.
While there is no explicit ban on public displays of affection (PDA) in India, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) allows the police to punish anyone who "annoys" others through "obscene acts" in public under Section 294. This has been used to criminalize PDA, such as kissing and holding hands, with consenting couples becoming easy targets for police harassment. The law's vagueness on what constitutes "obscene" has led to subjective interpretations, with some equating PDA to sex and considering it obscene and unacceptable.
This attitude towards PDA is further influenced by cultural norms and values. Some Indians view PDA as a gateway to normalizing sex in public, which is considered obscene and against Indian culture. This perspective stems from the belief that kissing leads to sex, and therefore, any display of affection in public is deemed inappropriate and obscene.
The interpretation of obscenity varies across the country, and what may be acceptable in one region may be frowned upon in another. While some may view hugging, holding hands, or a brief kiss as innocent displays of affection, others may find it offensive and a violation of Indian values.
The ban on PDA in India has sparked debates, especially among the youth, who are challenging these traditional norms. Social media has become an outlet for couples to express their love more freely, as they face restrictions in public spaces. While India is known for its cultural and traditional values, the changing times and evolving social dynamics are pushing for a re-evaluation of laws and attitudes surrounding PDA.
It is important to note that while PDA may be socially frowned upon or considered illegal under vague interpretations of the law, the enforcement of these regulations varies and is often subject to individual police officers' discretion.
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Drinking laws are stricter than marriage laws
India has a reputation for its strange laws, and one of the most notable examples is the discrepancy between drinking laws and marriage laws. While the legal drinking age varies across states, with some states even enforcing a complete ban on alcohol, individuals as young as 18 can legally marry. This inconsistency has sparked debate, with many questioning why the country permits marriage before allowing alcohol consumption.
The legal drinking age in India is a contentious issue, with the minimum age ranging from 18 to 25 years old, depending on the state. For instance, in states like Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, the legal drinking age is set at 18, while in Maharashtra, it is 25. However, some states, such as Bihar, Gujarat, Nagaland, and Mizoram, prohibit alcohol consumption entirely. These varying restrictions on alcohol consumption have led to confusion and frustration among citizens and tourists alike.
On the other hand, India's marriage laws are more uniform. The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 and the Special Marriage Act of 1954 are the two primary legislations governing marriage in the country. The Hindu Marriage Act applies specifically to Hindus and covers marriage, separation, divorce, and adoption. Meanwhile, the Special Marriage Act offers a secular civil marriage option for all Indian residents, regardless of their religion. Under this act, couples must meet specific requirements, including age, mental capacity, and consent. The groom must be at least 21, and the bride must be at least 18 years old, as per the legal definition of adulthood in India.
The contrast between drinking laws and marriage laws in India is striking. While drinking laws vary widely and tend to be stricter, marriage laws are more consistent and lenient in comparison. This discrepancy has sparked debates about the priorities and values reflected in India's legal system. Some argue that the government should focus more on regulating marriage, which is a significant life decision, rather than imposing stringent restrictions on alcohol consumption, which is a personal choice for many.
Additionally, the varying drinking laws across states have led to a thriving black market for alcohol, with people procuring liquor from states with more relaxed regulations to sell in dry states. This has resulted in a loss of tax revenue for state governments and has also contributed to an increase in alcohol-related crimes and health issues. In contrast, marriage laws, though more uniform, have faced criticism for failing to keep up with evolving social norms, particularly regarding same-sex marriage, which is still not legally recognized in India.
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Frequently asked questions
Some strange laws in India regarding public behaviour include:
- Public displays of affection are banned in some parts of India, including Mumbai and Chennai.
- In the southern state of Kerala, it is prohibited to walk backward on public roads.
- In some Indian states, drinking alcohol is entirely banned. In others, the drinking age is 25.
- It is illegal to fly a kite unless you have police permission.
- Adultery is illegal for men but not for women.
Some strange laws in India regarding personal freedoms include:
- In the state of Goa, a law restricts individuals from marrying for the third time.
- Women are not permitted to work in factories at night.
- In Andhra Pradesh, to become a motor vehicle inspector, you must have freshly brushed teeth and not have flat feet or hammer toes.
Some strange laws in India regarding food and consumer goods include:
- It is illegal to eat on an Indian train outside of a designated dining area.
- The Indian government has prohibited the manufacture and sale of sweets that explode.
- Several Indian states have banned the buying and selling of bulls and bullocks for slaughter.
