Weddings are always exciting as they are a celebration of new beginnings, love, and family. Every mother shows her daughter that marriage is about making adjustments, compromising, and learning when to keep quiet. However, one’s rights should never be sacrificed for silence in this new chapter. Marriage is more than simply an emotional tie; it’s a legal agreement with safeguards that all women need to be aware of. Knowing these five fundamental laws before starting on this path could mean the difference between security and sacrifice.
Right against Dowry and Domestic violence
You’ve certainly heard tales of wedding presents and money issues that turned into more serious conflicts. Contrary to popular belief, dowries do not always refer to cash or costly presents given at the time of marriage. All gifts or money given before, during, or after marriage—whether asked or not—are legally considered dowry.
All forms of dowry giving and receiving are banned by the 1961 Dowry Prohibition Act. You have the right to reject and report any pressure to bring more, whether it is made openly or indirectly.
If a marriage turns abusive, the Domestic Violence Act , 2005 protects women from suffering in silence. Love and respect go hand in hand. If one of them disappears, the law is on your side.
Right to Maintenance and Divorce
No one enters a marriage thinking, what if it doesn’t work out? But it’s important to remember that preparing for the unexpected doesn’t mean you’re expecting failure.
Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) lets a woman claim maintenance if her husband leaves her without financial support. This isn’t restricted to divorce; it also applies to married women who are separated yet unable to support themselves.
Divorce laws under Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act of 2019 and the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 protect women from abuse, neglect, and unfair practices like Triple Talaq. These laws defend women’s rights and ensure protection from marital abuse, neglect, and outdated customs.
Right to Property and Financial Security
Traditionally, women were expected to leave their families and become part of their husband’s household after marriage. This meant that male family members typically had all the property rights. However, this is no longer the case.
Daughters have a right to ancestral property equally as sons under the Hindu Succession Act of 1956. Daughters have equal rights to ancestral property under the Hindu Succession Act, just like sons. Getting married does not take away your property rights.
It’s also necessary to realize that the Married Women’s Property Act of 1874 protects your income, assets, and earnings whether they were acquired during your marriage or inherited. Nobody, not even your husband or in-laws, can take them away from you. This guarantees that you maintain ownership of all you have and protects your financial freedom.
Right Over Your Body and Motherhood
A woman is in charge of her body and choices regarding her motherhood. To ensure that women make informed choices about their health and future, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971 grants them the right to a safe and legal abortion up to 24 weeks in certain situations.
To assist women in balancing their work and family responsibilities, the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 offers 26 weeks of paid maternity leave to those who decide to become mothers. This law makes sure that women don’t have to choose between maintaining their careers and becoming mothers.
Right to Matrimonial home
In many families, it’s assumed that the marital home belongs only to the husband or his parents, and a woman can be asked to leave at any time. However, the Domestic Violence Act of 2005, clearly protects a woman’s right to stay in her matrimonial home, even if it is not in her name. This means that no one, whether her husband or in-laws has the right to force her out of the house. No one can force a woman out of her marital home; the law guarantees her right to shelter.
It’s important to keep in mind that your biggest strength is awareness as you approach marriage. You no longer have to give up your rights or voice for the sake of tradition. The foundation of a marriage is equality and respect for one another, which starts with understanding your rights. Knowing your rights helps you enter marriage empowered, confident, and fully in control of your future.
Alekhya Setty
