Know Your Rights
Essential legal knowledge every citizen should have. Share these with others.
Your Rights During an Arrest
Know the 5 fundamental rights you have if police arrest you.
- 1Right to know the grounds of arrest (Section 50 CrPC)
- 2Right to inform a relative or friend (Section 50A CrPC)
- 3Right to consult a lawyer of your choice (Article 22(1))
- 4Right to be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours (Article 22(2))
- 5Right against self-incrimination — you cannot be forced to confess (Article 20(3))
- 6Right to free legal aid if you cannot afford a lawyer (Article 39A)
If Police Come to Your Door
Step-by-step guide for when police visit your home.
- 1Ask for identification — note down name, badge number, and station
- 2Ask why they are there — is it a routine inquiry, notice, or arrest?
- 3You are NOT obligated to go with them without a warrant (except for cognizable offences)
- 4Do NOT sign any blank paper or document you haven't read fully
- 5You can refuse entry without a search warrant (exception: if they claim hot pursuit)
- 6Record the interaction if possible (video/audio is legal)
- 7Immediately inform a lawyer or contact CJP Legal Aid
FIR — What You Need to Know
How FIRs work, your rights, and what to do if one is filed against you.
- 1FIR (First Information Report) is filed under Section 154 CrPC for cognizable offences
- 2You are entitled to a FREE copy of the FIR — this is your legal right
- 3FIR is NOT a conviction — it is only the first step of investigation
- 4You can file an FIR at any police station (Zero FIR concept)
- 5If police refuse to file your FIR, you can approach the SP or Magistrate
- 6For non-cognizable offences, police register an NCR, not FIR
- 7FIR filed against you? — Don't panic. Contact a lawyer before making any statement.
Bail — Types and Procedures
Understanding bail, how to apply, and when you're entitled to it.
- 1Bailable offences — bail is a RIGHT. Police must grant it at the station.
- 2Non-bailable offences — bail is at the discretion of the court
- 3Anticipatory bail (Section 438 CrPC) — apply BEFORE arrest if you fear arrest
- 4Default bail (Section 167(2)) — if chargesheet not filed in 60/90 days, you get bail
- 5Interim bail — temporary bail while the main bail application is pending
- 6Bail conditions may include: surety bond, passport surrender, regular appearance
- 7Bail can be cancelled if conditions are violated
Rights During Protests
Know your constitutional rights while participating in peaceful assembly.
- 1Right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(b)
- 2Police need to give you a warning before using force (in most cases)
- 3Section 144 can restrict assembly — but it must be specific in scope and time
- 4Preventive detention cannot exceed 24 hours without Magistrate's order
- 5You can be detained but NOT arrested just for participating in a peaceful protest
- 6Photography/videography of police action is legal and cannot be prohibited
- 7If detained: note time, place, and officer names. Contact legal aid immediately.
Received a Police Notice?
Understanding 41A, 160, and other notices. What to do and what NOT to do.
- 1Section 41A notice — police asking you to appear. You MUST appear, but you have rights.
- 2Section 160 CrPC — notice for examination. Women/children under 15 cannot be called to station.
- 3DO NOT panic. A notice is NOT an arrest warrant.
- 4READ the notice carefully — note the section, date, time, and issuing officer.
- 5You can request a change of date/time if genuinely unable to attend.
- 6ALWAYS take a lawyer with you when responding to any police notice.
- 7DO NOT make statements without your lawyer present.
- 8DO NOT sign anything without reading and understanding it fully.
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