Jalandhar/Daljeet Ajnoha/Jan.11 : Senior Advocate Vinod Sharma has stressed that awareness of legal rights is the most powerful tool for protecting the dignity, freedom, and security of citizens. In an in-depth interaction in Advocate Sharma shared important insights on how lack of legal awareness often becomes the biggest reason for injustice, exploitation, and harassment of ordinary people.
Advocate Vinod Sharma said that the Constitution of India provides strong protection to every citizen, but these rights remain meaningless if people are not aware of them. “Many people suffer silently because they do not know what the law says in their favour. Awareness is the first step towards justice,” he remarked.
Explaining key legal rights, he said that every citizen has the right to equality before law, the right to life and personal liberty, and the right to freedom of speech and expression. He highlighted that no one can be arrested without proper legal procedure and every arrested person has the right to know the grounds of arrest and to consult a lawyer. “The law is not meant to scare citizens; it is meant to protect them,” he emphasized.
Advocate Sharma also underlined the importance of knowing basic rights related to police procedures. He explained that no person can be detained illegally, and every accused has the right to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours. He advised citizens to remain calm, ask for proper documentation, and insist on legal process in case of any police action.
Speaking about women and senior citizens, Advocate Sharma said that special laws have been enacted to protect them from harassment, domestic violence, and abuse. He urged families and society to ensure that women and elderly people are aware of their rights so that they can stand up against injustice without fear.
On the issue of legal aid, he said that free legal services are available for the poor, women, and weaker sections through Legal Services Authorities. “Justice should not depend on money. Even a poor person has the full right to legal representation,” he stated.
Advocate Vinod Sharma concluded by appealing to people to regularly educate themselves about basic laws, to seek legal advice when needed, and to never tolerate injustice out of fear or ignorance. “A society where citizens know their rights is a society where injustice cannot survive for long,” he said.
