Legal Help Desk

BNS replaced the IPC (Indian Penal Code) on July 1, 2024. It modernizes definitions of crime and adds new offenses like Mob Lynching and Organized Crime.

Introduced in BNS, courts can now order minor offenders to perform social work instead of jail time for small offenses like public intoxication.

Police custody and judicial custody are different. Under the BNSS, police custody is subject to specific judicial authorization and statutory limits; 60 or 90 days does not mean 60 or 90 days of police custody. An arrested person must ordinarily be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours, excluding necessary travel time. Seek urgent legal assistance in an actual arrest.

Yes, BNSS allows reporting crimes via electronic communication (E-FIR), but the informant must sign the record within 3 days.

It defines ‘Terrorist Act’ for the first time in a general criminal code, previously only covered in special laws like UAPA.

Yes, per Section 173(2) of BNSS, the informant is entitled to a free copy of the FIR immediately.

Generally not allowed for the same incident, but a separate FIR is valid if new facts show an independent criminal act.

Women cannot be arrested after sunset or before sunrise without a woman officer and a special Judicial Magistrate’s permission.

Effective March 2026, transfer fees are capped at ₹25,000 for third-party sales and only ₹1,000 for family transfers.

Yes! UP RERA now uses ‘Form M’ to allow complaints against developers who failed to register their projects.

Under RERA, no developer can take more than 10% of the cost as advance without a registered Agreement for Sale.

Builders are responsible for structural defects for 5 years after handing over possession.

Instead of new agreements, developers must now transfer units via endorsements on existing papers to save time.

Yes. Without an OC, a building is legally uninhabitable, and authorities can cut utility connections.

UP typically offers a 1% rebate on stamp duty if the property is registered in a woman’s name.

Under new codes, salaries must be paid by the 7th of every month across all sectors.

For Fixed-Term Employees (FTE), the 5-year rule is waived. You are eligible for gratuity if you finish 1 year.

Workers are entitled to double the normal wage rate for any overtime work performed.

Yes, the Social Security Code 2020 introduces social security funds for gig and platform workers.

Capped at 12 hours (including intervals), with a weekly cap of 48 hours.

Yes, with her consent and provided the employer ensures safety and transport.

Standard practice requires 30-90 days notice or pay-in-lieu, unless terminated for gross misconduct.

Even if marked non-refundable, if a service is not provided or is deficient, Consumer Courts can order a full refund.

Under Consumer Protection Rules, the seller must bear the cost of returning defective products.

Selling expired goods is a serious offense. You can file a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline (1915).

Using fake countdown timers or hidden costs is now illegal and punishable under CCPA guidelines.

Yes, under BSA 2023, but they must be accompanied by a Section 63 certificate (Self-Declaration).

If the first marriage is subsisting, a second marriage is void under Hindu Law, and the second wife has no inheritance rights.

Under the Maintenance & Welfare of Parents Act, senior citizens can evict children if they are being harassed or not cared for.

Registration isn’t mandatory but highly recommended as it provides strong proof of the Will’s authenticity.

Courts may still grant maintenance if the wife’s income is insufficient to maintain the standard of living she had during marriage.

An ordinary inability to repay an EMI is not, by itself, a criminal offence. Cheque dishonour may attract Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act only when its statutory requirements are met. An unsuccessful ACH/NACH auto-debit does not automatically amount to a criminal offence.

RBI rules prohibit recovery agents from calling before 8 AM or after 7 PM.

Generally 3 years from the date the debt became due.

A matter currently being considered by a court. Discussing or publishing details that influence the case may be contempt.

In Cognizable offenses (serious), police can arrest without a warrant. In Non-Cognizable (minor), a warrant is needed.

A legal notice generally identifies the parties, facts, grievance and requested remedy. An advocate is not universally required to draft every notice. Specific laws may prescribe notice periods or methods of service, so check the applicable law and keep evidence of dispatch and delivery.

A Notary only certifies that the person signed in their presence. It does not prove the truth of the document’s contents.

Yes, any citizen can appear as a ‘Party-in-Person’ without an Advocate, though it is not advised for complex trials.