These 10 Indian Laws Are So Weird, You’ll Think We Made Them Up (But We Didn’t)
India’s legal system is one of the oldest and most complex in the world — but let’s be real: some of the laws that still exist today will make you pause and say, “Seriously?” From colonial-era leftovers to overly specific rules, these bizarre Indian laws will leave you confused, amused, and a little curious. Let’s dive into the most eyebrow-raising ones.
1. Flying a Kite? You Might Need a License
Under the Indian Aircraft Act, 1934, flying any object — including a kite — without permission can be considered illegal.
Yes, even your Makar Sankranti plans might technically be breaking the law.
2. No Drunk Elephants Allowed on the Road
According to The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, it’s illegal to let an intoxicated elephant walk down the road.
Apparently, India had enough of tipsy tuskers to draft this into law!
3. Only the Government Can Print Maps
Want to publish a map of India?
You must get approval from the Survey of India, or you could face penalties under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
Google Maps, beware!
4. Motor Vehicles Can’t Have Sirens Unless You’re VVIP
Per the Motor Vehicles Act, installing a siren or beacon on your vehicle — unless you’re an ambulance, fire truck, or very important person — is a punishable offense.
Nope, not even for your cousin’s wedding baraat.
5. You Can Be Punished for Singing Obscene Songs in Public
Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) prohibits singing obscene songs or reciting offensive words in public.
So next time you’re belting out “Sheila Ki Jawani” on the street — tread carefully!
6. Live-in Relationships Were Illegal… Until Recently
Though not written in statute, for decades courts treated live-in couples as “immoral.”
Only in recent years has the Supreme Court recognized live-in relationships as legal, with certain rights under domestic partnership laws.
7. You Must Carry Change If You’re a Shopkeeper
As per the Legal Metrology Act, a shopkeeper can be penalized for not providing exact change to the customer.
That’s one less excuse for the “No change, take chocolate” trick.
8. Prostitution is Legal, But Owning a Brothel Is Not
Here’s a paradox: prostitution is not illegal, but almost everything around it — like running a brothel, soliciting clients, or pimping — is.
So technically it’s legal… but almost impossible to do legally.
9. Adultery Was a Crime — But Only for Men
Until it was struck down in 2018, Section 497 IPC punished men for adultery — but not women.
It treated wives like property of their husbands. Thankfully, the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.
10. Suicide Attempts Were Criminal Offenses
Until the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, suicide attempts were punishable under Section 309 IPC.
Imagine going through trauma and then being jailed for it.
Thankfully, the law now treats it as a mental health issue, not a crime.
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India is a land of rich legal traditions — but some of these laws really need a second look (or a modern rewrite). While many of these are rarely enforced, they still exist on the books, making for a bizarre and fascinating glimpse into the quirks of Indian law.
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