A recent analysis by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy highlights India's over-criminalization crisis, revealing that everyday actions such as skipping a dog walk or tethering an animal can result in criminal charges. The report enumerates 7,305 acts criminalized under federal law, showcasing how mundane activities can become criminal offences. With a staggering assertion that 73% of crimes lead to prison time, the report calls into question the balance between law enforcement and individual freedoms, while authorities consider revising penalties for various minor infractions.
Where Not Walking Your Dog Can Lead to Major Consequences
Where Not Walking Your Dog Can Lead to Major Consequences
In India, failing to properly walk your dog could result in significant legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.
In India, not walking your dog could lead to criminal charges punishable by fines or even jail time, according to a new report from the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. This study reveals that the country's legal framework includes an overwhelming number of criminal provisions—370 out of 882 laws—criminalizing a staggering 7,305 distinct actions or omissions. Among these are peculiar offences such as tethering animals on public streets and failing to ensure regular exercise for pets.
Delving deeper, the report, titled "The State of the System: Understanding the Scale of Crime and Punishment in India," has emerged as the first comprehensive attempt to document the various misdemeanours present in Indian law. Researchers argue that the habit of reaching for criminal law to mediate even trivial matters signals a crisis of over-criminalisation, impacting the daily lives of citizens and complicating business operations.
Notably, many offences carry severe penalties that seem disproportionate to the actual action. For instance, while littering in a zoo can lead to six months of jail time or a 2,000-rupee fine, flying a kite in an alarming manner also falls under criminal law, as does not naming a property owner when required. This inconsistency is a cause for concern in a legal system already stretched by an overwhelming number of pending cases—over 34 million as of the report.
Experts suggest that the punitive nature of these laws fosters an environment of distrust between citizens and the state. Additionally, India's police forces are under-resourced, with a deficit of personnel that hampers effective law enforcement. As authorities propose revisions, including the removal of criminal penalties from over 100 laws, there is an opportunity for a substantial legal review. Advocates urge for a shift towards enforcing laws that genuinely safeguard societal values while reducing the reliance on criminal penalties for minor infractions.
The future of India's legal landscape may indeed pave the way for a legal system that emphasizes trust over fear, creating a balance that allows citizens to navigate everyday life with greater freedom and security.
