Adhikarin

1. Right to a Written Rent Agreement

A tenant has the right to a formal, written rent agreement. An oral agreement is not enough and has little legal value. This agreement must clearly state the rent amount, tenure of the lease, security deposit details, and other terms and conditions.

Source: Section 4 of The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, makes a written agreement mandatory.

2. Right Against Unfair Eviction

A landlord cannot evict a tenant on a whim. The law specifies valid reasons for eviction, such as non-payment of rent for two consecutive months or misuse of the property. The landlord must send a formal legal notice and follow the due process of law.

Source: The grounds for eviction are specified in state-specific Rent Control Acts and Chapter V of The Model Tenancy Act, 2021.

3. Right to Basic Amenities

It is the landlord's responsibility to provide essential services like adequate water supply and electricity. A landlord cannot legally cut off these essential services, even if there is a dispute over rent payment.

Source: This right is protected under various Rent Control Acts.

4. Right to Privacy

The landlord cannot enter the rented premises whenever they want. They must give the tenant reasonable prior notice (usually 24 hours) before visiting, except in cases of emergency.

Source: This is derived from the fundamental Right to Privacy and is also included in The Model Tenancy Act, 2021.

1. Right to Timely Rent

The landlord has a fundamental right to receive the agreed-upon rent on the date specified in the rent agreement. Delays can be grounds for legal action.

Source: This is a basic contractual right, enforced by all tenancy laws.

2. Right to Evict

A landlord can evict a tenant on specific grounds, such as consistent failure to pay rent, subletting the property without permission, causing significant damage, or using the property for illegal activities.

Source: Chapter V of The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, and state-specific Rent Control Acts.

3. Right to Property Inspection

A landlord has the right to enter and inspect the property to check for damages or to carry out repairs, but only after giving prior notice to the tenant as specified in the agreement.

Source: This is a standard clause in most rent agreements and is supported by tenancy laws.

1. Importance of a Written Agreement

A written rent agreement is a vital legal document that protects both the tenant and the landlord. It serves as evidence of the terms agreed upon and can be used in court to resolve disputes.

Source: Section 4 of The Model Tenancy Act, 2021.

2. Key Clauses to Include

A good agreement should include: names of parties, rent amount, security deposit, lease duration, notice period for termination, rules for rent increase, and responsibilities for repairs.

3. Registration and Stamp Duty

For leases longer than 11 months, the agreement must be registered with the sub-registrar's office and appropriate stamp duty must be paid. An unregistered long-term lease has limited legal validity.

Source: The Registration Act, 1908.

1. Right to Safety

The right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.

2. Right to be Informed

The right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods or services.

3. Right to Choose

The right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.

4. Right to be Heard

The right to be heard and to be assured that consumer's interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.

5. Right to Seek Redressal

The right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.

6. Right to Consumer Education

The right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer.

1. Misleading Advertisement

Promoting a product or service with false or deceptive information about its quality, usefulness, or guarantees. This includes "bait and switch" advertising.

2. Charging Above MRP

Selling any packaged product for a price higher than the Maximum Retail Price printed on the label is an illegal practice.

3. Selling Defective or Impure Goods

Knowingly selling products that are faulty, do not meet quality standards, or are past their expiry date is an unfair trade practice against which a consumer can file a complaint and seek compensation (refund, replacement, etc.).

1. Driving Licence (DL)

You must carry a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle you are driving. Driving without a licence is a serious offence.

2. Registration Certificate (RC)

This document proves that the vehicle is legally registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

3. Valid Insurance Policy

Third-party insurance is mandatory for all vehicles on Indian roads. It covers damages to another person or property in case of an accident.

Source: The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

4. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

This certificate shows that your vehicle's emissions are within the prescribed limits. It must be renewed periodically.

Source: Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

Digital Documents are Valid

You can store and show digital copies of your DL and RC in the DigiLocker or mParivahan apps. These are legally valid and must be accepted by the traffic police.

1. Not Wearing Helmet / Seatbelt

Both the rider and the pillion rider on a two-wheeler must wear a helmet. Similarly, the driver and front-seat passenger in a car must wear seatbelts.

2. Drunken Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a very serious offence that can lead to imprisonment, a heavy fine, and suspension of the driving licence.

3. Using Mobile Phone While Driving

It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone for calling or texting while driving.

1. Right to Not Hand Over Original Documents

You are required to show your documents for inspection, but you do not have to hand them over to the officer. Showing digital copies from DigiLocker or mParivahan is sufficient.

2. Right to Demand an Official Challan

If you have committed an offence, you have the right to ask for an official challan from an e-challan machine or a challan book. You should not pay any cash to the officer without a valid challan.

3. Police Cannot Seize Your Keys

A traffic police officer does not have the authority to forcibly take your vehicle's keys. They can instruct you to stop and park, but cannot snatch the keys from the ignition.

1. A Legally Binding Contract

Once you sign and accept an offer letter, it becomes a legally binding contract between you and the employer. Both parties are expected to adhere to its terms.

Source: The Indian Contract Act, 1872.

2. Key Details to Verify

Before signing, carefully check your Job Title/Designation, Salary breakdown (CTC vs Gross), Location of work, Joining Date, and Probation Period.

3. Notice Period and Termination Clause

Pay close attention to the notice period required for resignation and the conditions under which the company can terminate your employment. These clauses are very important.

1. Standard Working Hours

Most state Shops and Establishment Acts define the maximum number of working hours per day (usually 8-9 hours) and per week (usually 48 hours).

Source: State-specific Shops and Establishment Acts.

2. Overtime Pay

If an employee is required to work beyond the standard hours, they are generally entitled to overtime pay, often at double the rate of their normal wages.

3. Types of Leave

Employees are typically entitled to different types of leave, including Casual Leave (CL) for unforeseen needs, Sick Leave (SL) for medical reasons, and Earned/Privilege Leave (EL/PL) which is accumulated over time.

1. Right to Timely Salary

Employers must pay salaries on a fixed date each month. Unjustified delays are a violation of the law.

2. Notice Period

When you resign, you must serve the notice period mentioned in your contract. Similarly, if an employer terminates your employment, they must also provide a notice period or pay in lieu of it.

3. Full and Final (F&F) Settlement

After leaving a job, you are entitled to a full and final settlement, which includes your last month's salary, any unpaid bonuses, and payment for unutilized earned leave. This is typically processed within 30-45 days of your last working day.