Criminal Law & Your Safety: Know Your Legal Rights

Sometimes, police officers give false reasons for not appearing in court, causing unnecessary delays and harassment for clients. I explain how you can request the officer's duty roster or file an RTI to verify their claims and bring any malafide intentions to the notice of the judge.

Trial courts should not issue non-bailable warrants against an accused on the first call or during the early hours of the day, except in specific circumstances. I discuss the Delhi High Court's judgment in Fahim v. State, which aims to prevent the mechanical issuance of warrants and protect the liberty of the accused.

Every legal case, whether civil or criminal, has a limitation period within which it must be filed. I explain the different limitation periods for criminal offenses based on the severity of the punishment, from 6 months for minor offenses to no limit for crimes punishable with more than 3 years of imprisonment.

Accidentally carrying a live bullet or any weapon to an airport is a common crime at the Delhi airport. I share an incident involving a friend and explain that even with a valid gun license, carrying arms on a flight is illegal. The case usually ends with an FIR under the Arms Act, which then needs to be quashed in the High Court.

Is a dope test mandatory for getting a gun license in Delhi? I clarify that this requirement is specific to Punjab, where the government aims to prevent drug addicts from obtaining arms licenses. In Delhi, there is currently no such provision for a mandatory dope test.

E-cigarettes and vapes are completely illegal in India, including their production, sale, and import. However, if you are caught using one, can the police arrest you? I explain that while using it is not an offense that leads to arrest, the police can issue a challan.

Did you know that 'bhang', made from the leaves of the cannabis plant, is legal in India, while 'ganja' and 'charas', made from its flowers and resin, are illegal under the NDPS Act? I explain this interesting distinction in the law.

This chart provides a quick overview of the different categories of drugs under the NDPS Act, such as heroin, opium, and ganja. It details the small, non-commercial, and commercial quantities and the corresponding punishments, which can range from 6 months to 20 years in jail.

If you are a senior citizen living in Delhi and are being harassed by your son or daughter-in-law, you can get immediate help. I provide the Senior Citizen Helpline number, 1291. Calling this number will ensure that a local police officer is assigned to investigate your complaint promptly.