The Legal Angle

Know your rights

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Law is the backbone of a civilized society. It is a set of rules enforced by the state to maintain order and prevent chaos. In essence, law tells us what we can and cannot do under various circumstances. But in India, awareness and understanding of the law remain worryingly low. People rarely make an effort to learn the law, and few fear its consequences. Media and entertainment often trivialize legal matters, using them for drama or comic relief.

To shed more light on this, we had with us in our Couples' Class meeting, Mrs. Anuradha Maheshwari, a senior legal strategist and consultant, co-founder of Lex Mantis, who explained legal concepts in simple terms.

At the top of the legal hierarchy lies the Constitution of India - the supreme law of the land, with 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 12 Schedules. It is the source from which all laws flow. Any law inconsistent with it is considered null and void.

The Origins and Evolution of Law

Laws existed long before modern civilizations. Even the animal kingdom functions under unwritten laws of nature. Human societies began with basic rules which evolved under rulers-sometimes fair, sometimes harsh. Over time, laws began covering all aspects of life: governance, marriage, property, and death. Today, we are fortunate to live in a democracy where laws are codified and accessible. Like medicine, the legal field has become so vast that specialization is necessary. There are now expert lawyers for specific domains such as corporate law, criminal law, family law, etc.

Civil and Criminal Laws

Civil Law

Civil law governs disputes between individuals or organizations. It includes contract disputes, property matters, business transactions, family matters, and inheritance.