Legal Rights and Protection for Women in India

**What is 'Stree Dhan' and Who Owns It?** 'Stree Dhan' refers to any gifts, money, or property a woman receives at the time of her wedding from her parents, in-laws, or relatives. The Supreme Court has affirmed that this is her absolute property. The husband and his family have no legal right over it.

**Does a Wife Need Her Husband's Permission for a Passport?** Absolutely not. A married woman has her own identity and does not need her husband's consent to apply for a passport. The Madras High Court has stated that this is a woman's individual right, striking down patriarchal norms.

**Is It Mandatory to Change Your Surname After Marriage?** No, changing your surname is a cultural practice, not a legal requirement. It is completely your choice. A school cannot deny admission to your child simply because the parents have different surnames.

**The Fundamental Right to Choose Your Life Partner.** I often get calls from parents whose adult children have married against their wishes. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld that every adult has a fundamental right to choose their life partner. As long as your daughter is a major, you cannot legally interfere with her choice.

**Can a Woman in a Live-In Relationship File a Domestic Violence Case?** Yes. The Domestic Violence Act protects women in relationships that are "in the nature of marriage". I explain the conditions laid down by the Supreme Court to prove such a relationship, ensuring that women in live-in partnerships also have legal protection against abuse.

**False Promise of Marriage: A Criminal Offense.** Be careful about making promises you don't intend to keep. The new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has a specific provision, Section 69, which criminalizes having sexual relations with a woman under a false promise of marriage. This can lead to a jail term of up to 10 years.

**Advice for Women Getting Married: Keep All the Bills.** This is a practical tip for all women who are about to get married. Keep the receipts for all wedding-related expenses. If a dispute arises later, these bills serve as crucial evidence in court to prove your family's contributions and can help you claim appropriate compensation.

**Essential Safety Apps for Women in India.** Your safety is paramount. I am sharing a list of important women's safety apps available in India, such as '112 India' and 'My Safetipin'. These apps can be a lifeline in an emergency, allowing you to alert your contacts or the police quickly.

**A Wife is Not a Slave: Supreme Court's Strong Stance.** The Supreme Court has declared that a wife is not a chattel or property of the husband. I discuss a case where a husband, after being abusive, tried to use a legal remedy to force his wife to live with him just to avoid paying maintenance. The court rejected his plea, upholding the wife's dignity.