Laws are made to safeguard justice. They are supposed to protect our rights, and maintain civility in a society. The Indian constitution was formed over 60 years ago, and it is considered to be one of the world’s longest constitutions. As it was written such a long time ago, there are certain laws in the Indian constitution which are no longer meaningful, with the passage of time. And, there are some new laws which are quite strange too. Read on to find out about some laws which need to be changed:
Motor vehicle inspectors in Andhra Pradesh must have clean teeth
Yes, you read it right! According to the 1914 Motor Vehicles Act, you must have clean teeth, not have hammer toes or flat feet or pigeon chest, in order to be a motor vehicle inspector in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The govt can take your land anytime
The Land Acquisition Act of 1894 is still practiced. Formed during the British Rule for the convenience of the British to usurp any Indian’s land, this law is still being used by the Indian government. The government can take your land in the name of general welfare or to construct public buildings. This is one of the laws that should be changed.
Kite flying is illegal
The Indian Aircraft Act, 1934 states that any Indian citizen who flies balloons or kites without license is an offender. According to this law, the millions of people who fly kites in festivals are all breaking the law!
Internet censorship
The Information Technology Act of 2000, determined online pornography to be illegal, as so is the selling of obscene objects to minors. This is all good, except that you can access pornography in private! There needs to be greater clarity of this law. Internet censorship is required but there needs to be a deeper understanding of the Internet to gain clarity into the right and wrong of it.
Obscene words and acts
According to IPC’s Section 294, anyone who acts in an obscene manner in a public place is punishable. This has been interpreted by many conservative people in the society to include even PDA as objectionable. This law requires some changes or at least modification to clearly define ‘obscenity’. As of now, any individual can claim another’s behaviour as ‘obscene’.
You can’t possess copper wire
According to the Telegraph Wires Act (Unlawful Possession), of 1950, you could be arrested if you have in your possession copper wire which is more than or less than 2.43 -2.53, 3.42-3.52, 2.77 – 2.87. As telegraph services have been permanently stopped from 2013, this law has no meaning anymore.
The Rs 10 you found is counted as treasure
This law, Indian Treasure-trove Act of 1878, is not for the Rs 10 you found on the road, but expressly states any ‘treasure’ found under the soil which is equal to or more than Rs 10 has to be reported and shared with the government. If any person does not do so, he is liable to be arrested.
Kerala’s 2 child policy
The government of Kerala has a new rule – no family can have more than 2 children. A little contradictory note also states that the government will provide subsidies only to first 2 children – so does it mean people can have more than 2 children?
More than 10 couples not allowed to dance together
1911’s Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act states that more than 10 couples dancing on the same dance floor is illegal. Also, you must obtain permission from the District Magistrate or the Police Commissioner a minimum of three days prior to your event. The British have long gone, but this law has not been changed.
All courier services are illegal
A law from the 18th century states that only Indian Post office have the supreme and sole right to deliver letters. Thus, you’d notice that all courier companies instead of using the word ‘letter’ use ‘document’, to get around this law.
Our lawmakers need to take a good look at the constitution and make changes to certain laws which are no longer relevant, or which are mired in obscurity, enabling any person to interpret these laws as they choose.