Criminal Law & Your Safety: Know Your Legal Rights
Kanoon ki jaankari is your shield. I break down complex criminal procedures, helping you understand your rights when dealing with the police, bail hearings, or urgent legal notices.
Are the police bound to give you a copy of a complaint filed against you before an FIR is registered? The law says no. However, I explain that in certain cases, like those in the Crime Against Women (CAW) cell, you can obtain a copy of the complaint through an RTI application.
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.
About Criminal Law & Your Safety
Many people panic when a complaint is filed against them, thinking the police are legally bound to hand over a copy immediately. The truth is, they aren't, but there are specific, procedural ways—like RTI applications in CAW Cell cases—to access the details you need to build your defense.
Understanding the criminal justice system in Delhi can feel intimidating, but you don't need heavy legal jargon to protect yourself. Whether it's the limitation period for filing a case or navigating the complexities of the Arms Act—like the common issue of accidentally carrying a live bullet to the airport—my goal is to strip away the confusion. I often see clients face harassment because they don't know how to challenge non-bailable warrants or verify police duty rosters through RTI. Did you know the Delhi High Court's ruling in Fahim v. State protects you from mechanical issuance of warrants in early court hours? Or that if you are a senior citizen in Delhi, help is just one call away on 1291? My practice focuses on these practical realities. From explaining the distinction between illegal ganja and legal bhang under the NDPS Act, to utilizing the e-Mulakat portal for video calls with inmates, I provide the legal roadmap you need. We will assess your evidence, map it to statutory requirements like the new criminal codes, and decide whether to fight or settle.
Karan Bajaj
I am Karan Bajaj, an advocate in the Delhi High Court. I believe that legal knowledge is your biggest shield, and my job is to make that information simple and accessible for you. When you work with me, you get a straight answer, not a pile of confusing legal paperwork.
Need answers for a different legal issue?
Search for specific laws, procedures, or document help below.
More from Legal Consultation & Representation by Karan Bajaj