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20 Strange Laws you should be aware of in India

*Originally published by Faith on June 2022 and Updated by Vanessa on May 2023 and by Vanessa M in March 2024

Some different laws and regulations govern a nation and ensure that there are parameters that citizens are supposed to operate within. India is known for having the longest written constitution and therefore, it has a lot of laws that have to be followed. Some of the laws enacted to keep people from doing strange things are strange themselves.

Therefore, this article will look at the strange laws in India that need to be scraped off as they have lost their relevance.

1. The Land Acquisition Act

The land acquisition act gives the government permission to deprive landlords of large tracts of their land and use it as government spaces and buildings. This law is weird in that that why would the government take land that someone has worked hard for just because it is big. This law was first enacted by the British but in today’s society, the government misuse this law as lands are taken and used for private projects disguised as public ones. Therefore, this means that people lose their land to other government officials who are undeserving of the land.

2. Women are not allowed to work at night in factories

India has a large population and thus means that more people are looking for jobs. However, for a woman, it is not that easy to get a job as women are not permitted to work in factories at night. This means that when there is an opening at a factory and the only time that the work is to be done is at night, then the women are not given the job. This law is strange in that today’s society advocates for equal opportunities for both genders and not allowing women to work in factories at night is infringing on their rights.

3. Suicide is legal but an attempt is not

India does not allow attempted suicide but suicide is illegal. This tells the citizens that they can commit murder but they have to be successful in that if they do not succeed they face imprisonment. This is weird in that both cases should be classified as one because they are no way suicide is allowed while attempted suicide is illegal.

Therefore, if one wants to commit suicide they have to make sure that they kill themselves because they face imprisonment if it is unsuccessful.

4. Pimping is illegal but prostitution is not

The country seems to be filled with strange laws that make one wonder if there are real or just a joke. This law states that pimping is illegal but prostitution is not allowed. In prostitution, the activity can be carried out privately and those involved in prostitution cannot request their customers publicly.

This is surprising in that prostitution is real but other activities like pimping, brothels and prostitution rings are unlawful in the country.

5. One must obtain a permit before flying a kite

Kids enjoy flying kites and even adults have fond memories of flying the kites. However, this activity is prohibited in India if one does not possess a permit for flying a kite. This is according to the Indian aircraft laws that state that flying a kite without a permit is a criminal offence.

It is not every day that one hears that someone can be jailed for just flying a kite and thus make it a strange law that does not have merit.

6. Public displays of affection are not allowed

People in India and those travelling to India need to know that public displays of affection are not allowed. In section 294 of the Indian Penal Code, annoying members of the public through obscene acts is a crime and a person can be imprisoned for a period of up to three months or pay a fine.

However, the law does not specify what falls under obscene acts but it is usually used by the police to target couples. Public displays of affection are generally considered to be obscene acts. Therefore, in India people should look for other ways to show their affection to their significant other as the displays of affection can easily land them in jail.

7. The Treasure Trove Act

The Treasure Trove Act is a policy that was enacted in 1878 that states that when a treasure found by a person is valued at more than ten rupees, then they must inform the collector as soon as possible. If one fails to report the findings, then they are punishable by law because all findings that are found belong to the government.

This law is a strange one in that one expects that when a person gets their treasure, it will be theirs as they are the ones who found it but India feels otherwise and thus the Treasure Trove Act of 1878

8. Harmful Publication Act

The Young Person Act of 1956 was enacted to curb the distribution of specific publications that can cause harm to young people. The act looks at harmful publications as pictures, videos, or stories that depict horrible incidents that may corrupt young people.

However, this law is often used to harass business people as one shop in K3rala was once raided for selling shirts that had Bob Marley printed on them claiming that it encourages the young population to do drugs.

9. The law of blasphemy

This law came into passing when the British were colonizing the country. The law states that anyone who has a contrary opinion about a certain religion is to be punished. This means that the citizens of the country do not have the right to voice their opinion about religion as they could be punished

10. The legal drinking age is 25

The legal age in India is 25 years old and this age is reconsidered if the person is not deemed mature enough to drink. This is strange because the country allows someone to get married just after they turn 18 years old but do not allow them to have an alcoholic drink until they turn 25.

11. You need to have good teeth if you want to become a motor vehicle inspector

You got the words right. Given that a person’s teeth might determine their career, that law in India is both strange and intriguing. In a toothy tale, this law specifies that having healthy teeth is a requirement in addition to passing the other physical exams required to become an Andhra Pradesh motor vehicle inspector. Everyone applying for this position should begin their dental hygiene routine.

11. The government, in 2013, took the initiative to ban all offensive and provocative images from social media sites

The government, spurred by Mr. Kapil Sibal, decides to restrict the content that is posted online in yet another effort to uphold the principles of the so-called Indian culture. In 2013, the government placed a ban on all insensitive and inflammatory photos on social media.

In the event that social media platforms would not cooperate, the government promised to act on its own. Declaring what should be “offensive” and “obscene” was an unworkable action that was strongly opposed by those who value democracy. Furthermore, it is yet unclear how these restrictions work to combat the culture of rape.

12. Section 497 prohibits adultery

Adultery is banned by section 497. Without the husband’s permission, one cannot engage in sexual activity with a married lady. A fine, five years in prison or both penalties could be imposed on the offender. The law only punishes the guy who commits adultery; the wife is not prosecuted, which is what makes this situation interesting. Mention sexism here! One of the strangest Indian laws is without a doubt this one.

13. Using the restroom or drinking water at any hotel is free of charge for everyone

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Regardless of whether one is staying there, one can use the loo and get water at any hotel. With the enactment of the Indian Sarais Act in 1867, this statute became operative 150 years ago. Sarai refers to any structure that provides housing and lodging for guests; hotels are included in this category. Given the lack of public amenities in our country, it is undeniably one of the strange laws of India, yet it serves a useful purpose.

14. Same-sex marriages are illegal

India is behind the times because same-sex marriages are still not recognised as legal across the board in the country. The government’s and the general public’s attitudes about homosexual relationships have improved over time.

The day when someone can marry the person they choose hasn’t come yet and it’s more of a cultural thing but it is also a criminal offence which makes it harder.

15. It is illegal to possess or sell chewing gum in Maharashtra

, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chewing gum is banned in Maharashtra, India, both for personal use and for sale. The law was implemented in an effort to maintain public areas in a clean state and stop people from smearing gum on walls, pavements and other surfaces. Despite the fact that this may appear like an extreme approach, the state’s chewing gum litter has decreased as a result of it.

In fact, some people have observed that the restriction has increased interest in mints and mouthwash as an alternative. Yet, for the time being, it continues to be a unique rule in Maharashtra. The chewing gum ban has created some controversy and debate regarding individual rights vs the larger good.

16. No spitting in public places

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“No spitting in public places” is a common law in many Indian cities, intended to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Violators of this law may face fines as a deterrent. The prohibition is primarily motivated by concerns about disease spread and the uncleanliness of public spaces.

The legislation emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in upholding public health standards. While enforcement levels may vary, the rule reflects a collaborative effort to create a more sanitary and pleasant environment for all, discouraging a common but unsanitary habit in public places across the country.

17. No loud music after 10 PM

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This regulation was implemented in many Indian cities to reduce noise pollution and ensure quiet during late hours. This restriction, imposed to promote a quieter and more peaceful environment, seeks to strike a balance between the right to entertainment and the need for nighttime quiet.

The rule helps to reduce disturbances for residents, especially in residential areas. Violators, usually event organizers or people playing loud music, may face consequences. This legal measure emphasizes the importance of respecting the right of others to a peaceful night’s sleep while also contributing to the overall well-being of urban communities by addressing the negative effects of noise pollution.

18. No smoking in public places

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The prohibition on smoking in public places in various Indian states protects nonsmokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. This measure is motivated by public health concerns and seeks to create smoke-free environments while reducing passive smoke exposure. The ban includes restaurants, public transportation, and workplaces.

By prohibiting smoking in public places, the legislation hopes to promote a healthier environment, prevent respiratory problems, and reduce the overall health risks associated with tobacco use. Violators may face fines, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public health and the well-being of those who may be harmed by unintentional exposure to tobacco smoke.

19. No tattoos without parental consent

Photo by Airam Dato-on from

Individuals under the age of 18 in certain Indian states must obtain parental consent before getting tattoos. This legal requirement seeks to protect minors by requiring parental involvement in decisions with potential long-term consequences. Authorities hope that requiring consent will prevent impulsive or regrettable choices and encourage responsible decision-making about body modification.

The regulation addresses concerns about tattoo permanence and the impact on a minor’s physical and emotional well-being. It emphasizes the importance of parental guidance in matters of personal expression, balancing individual autonomy with the need for guardianship in decisions that may affect a minor’s life.

20. No inappropriate dancing

Photo by Yan Krukau from

Certain Indian cities have regulations in place to prohibit “inappropriate” dancing in public spaces, often targeting dances that are sexually suggestive or culturally offensive. These restrictions are intended to maintain public decorum and prevent perceived moral or cultural transgressions.

Events, establishments, or public gatherings where dancing takes place may be subject to inspection to ensure compliance with these standards. Authorities seek to balance cultural sensitivities while upholding community standards by establishing guidelines for appropriate dance forms. The regulations reflect a larger societal debate about public behavior, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect and adherence to perceived moral values in communal spaces.

Understanding these 20 peculiar laws is essential for navigating India’s diverse legal landscape. These regulations, which range from kite-flying permissions to public spitting restrictions, shed light on the cultural and societal nuances that shape Indian governance. While some may appear unusual, they demonstrate the country’s dedication to safety, hygiene, and cultural values. Staying informed not only ensures compliance but also provides insight into the dynamic tapestry of laws that make India’s social fabric unique.