Growing instances of sexual harassment are a major concern today. One of the reasons that such horrific òffences keep happening today and culprits go untouched because many of laws applied in the country against sexual offence are unknown to a larger section of mass. Women continuously face the wrath of inhumane behaviour and there are very few who are aware of the laws, here are some important legal rights every woman should know about.
Zero FIR
Under Zero FIR, a rape or a molestation victim can register her complaint from any police station. Often, police stations under which the incident occurs refuses to register victim’s complaint so that they don’t have to take any responsibility. In such cases, the woman can lodge an FIR at any police station in the city under Zero FIR rule. The senior officer will then direct the SHO of the concerned police station to lodge the FIR. Under a case of Zero FIR, no police station within the city can turn you down saying that the incident didn’t occur under their area of operation.
Right to Free Aid
When a rape or molestation victim goes to register a complaint in the police station, she often faces harassments and humiliation for her statements. In such a case, she has the right to get a legal aid and that she should demand it.
Right to privacy
A woman who has been raped has a right to record her statement in private, in front of the magistrate without being overheard by anyone else. She also has a freedom to record her statement with a lady constable or a police officer in personal. Under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the cops will have to give the privacy to the victim without stressing her in front of masses.
Right to register untimely
A woman may avoid going to a police station to a complaint. No questions are supposed to be raised no matter how late she decides to register a complaint.
Right to complaint virtually
According to Delhi Police, a woman has the privilege of lodging a complaint via email or registered post. If for some reason, a woman can’t go to the police station, she can send a written complaint through an email or registered post addressed to a senior police officer of the level of Deputy Commissioner or Commissioner of Police.
Right to no arrest
According to a Supreme Court ruling, a woman cannot be arrested after sunset and before sunrise. There are many cases of women being harassed by the police at wee hours, but all this can be avoided if you exercise the right of being present in the police station only during daytime.
Source: https://thelogicalindian.com/story-feed/awareness/zero-fir/
