"Caution!
If you receive a call from an unknown number claiming to be from the police, a judge, or the CBI, and they ask for online payments or your personal information, never share your details. No such demand will ever be made in the name of the police or any officer. If you become a victim of cybercrime, immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930."
Isn’t this one of the messages we all are hearing before our call connects nowadays?
Maybe all of us are illiterate about law and the legal system.
Maybe we, as citizens, don’t look into essential laws unless and until we become a lawyer, have filed a lawsuit, or someone has filed a lawsuit against us.
And think about people who are already victims of such scams.
What about their losses? I’m sure the government has to pay some kind of cost in return for circulating such a message.
There’s a simple solution to this situation—awareness of Indian laws among the people. However, most legal information is written in difficult language.
Let’s be honest: I, as a daily reader of various materials, found it very difficult to understand the Indian Constitution when I decided to give it a try.
Then in this journey, I came across the book "INDIAN LAW FOR COMMON MAN" by Sree Krishna Seelam. True to its name, the book feels like it’s written by the common man for the common man.
About the Book:
This book is a simple law guide for every Indian, designed to teach the fundamentals of law in just 3 hours.
The book starts by giving you a quick look at the Indian legal system, preparing and clearing your mind for what you are about to read.
In the further chapters, it introduces you to various laws, rights, duties, the judicial system, taxation, and finally, how to navigate the legal system.
Breakdown of book according to me:
- Introduction to the Constitution of India History behind the Constitution.
The Preamble reflects the vision and objectives of the Constitution.
10 Fundamental Features of the Constitution:
Lengthiest written constitution
Federal structure
Parliamentary system
Separation of powers
Fundamental rights
Policy guidelines
Basic duties
Secularism
Independent judiciary
Amendment structure
Federal Structure:
Structure of governance
Division of power according to the 7th schedule (with 3 lists) and residual powers.
Amendment Process:
Flexibility of the Indian Constitution.
Article 368 and the method of amending the Constitution.
Basic Structure Doctrine.
2. Fundamental Rights and Duties
6 Fundamental Rights (with Articles) that anchor the Constitution of India:
Right to Equality
Right to Freedom
Right against Exploitation
Right to Freedom of Religion
Cultural and Educational Rights
Right to Constitutional Remedies
Fundamental Duties (remaining half chapters focus on this):
Respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem.
Protect the country, nature, and the environment.
Treat everyone fairly, live peacefully, and respect women.
Help children get an education and always do your best.
3. Judicial System of India
This chapter is divided into 6 parts:
Structure of Judiciary:
India has a three-level judicial system:
Supreme Court (at the top)
High Courts (in the middle)
District and Subordinate Courts (at the bottom)
Judicial Independence:
The judiciary in India is independent and free from government influence, ensuring fair and unbiased justice.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL):
PIL allows anyone to approach the court for public issues like environmental protection or human rights violations.
4. Types of Laws
Criminal Law:
Covers crimes like theft, fraud, and murder, and their punishments.
Explains how police investigate crimes and courts decide guilt.
Introduces laws like the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Emphasizes the rights of the accused to ensure a fair trial.
Civil Law:
Addresses disputes between individuals or organizations (e.g., property conflicts, family issues, contract disputes).
Focuses on fairness, evidence-based decisions, and societal peace.
Family Law:
Covers laws related to marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, and adoption.
Introduces personal laws for different religions (e.g., the Hindu Marriage Act).
Property Law:
Explains rules about owning, selling, and buying property, and resolving ownership disputes.
Highlights the importance of registering property.
Labour and Employment Law:
Educates on workers' rights, including wages, working hours, workplace safety, and benefits.
Introduces laws like the Minimum Wages Act.
Taxation and Finance Law:
Explains taxes like income tax and GST, and why paying taxes is essential for national development.
Consumer Protection and Rights:
Teaches the rights of consumers, protection from fraud, and how to file complaints.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR):
Covers laws that protect creative works like inventions, books, music, and logos.
Environmental Laws:
Discusses laws that protect air, water, and forests (e.g., the Environment Protection Act).
Cyber Law in India:
Covers internet use, cybercrimes, and the Information Technology Act to protect against online fraud and hacking.
5. Navigating the Legal System
This chapter is divided into 4 parts:
Filing a Case and Court Procedures
Finding Legal Help
Legal Aid Services
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Each section provides an overview of the steps involved, and factors to consider when navigating the legal system.
link of the book free (https://amzn.in/d/e224Kcm)