Under Indian law, a woman has several rights within a marriage, aimed at ensuring her protection, equality, and dignity. These rights are governed by various statutes, including the Constitution of India, personal laws, and specific legislation. Here’s an overview of the key rights of a woman in a marriage under Indian law: 1. Right to Equality: Constitutional Right: The Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all individuals, regardless of gender. This includes equal rights and treatment within marriage. 2. Right to Protection from Domestic Violence: Domestic Violence Act: Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, a woman has the right to be free from physical, emotional, verbal, and economic abuse by her spouse or family members. Relief Measures: The Act provides for protection orders, residence orders, and monetary relief to women affected by domestic violence. 3. Right to Maintenance: Maintenance Under CrPC: Under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), a woman has the right to seek maintenance from her husband if she is unable to maintain herself. This applies to both married and estranged spouses. Maintenance Under Personal Laws: Different personal laws (Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Personal Law, etc.) also provide for maintenance rights, which can be claimed during marriage or after divorce. 4. Right to Residence: Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act: Provides women with the right to reside in a shared household, regardless of whether she has legal ownership of the property. She can seek a residence order to ensure her right to live in the marital home. 5. Right to Divorce: Grounds for Divorce: Under various personal laws, a woman has the right to seek divorce on grounds such as cruelty, desertion, adultery, mental illness, and irretrievable breakdown of marriage. Mutual Consent: Women can also file for divorce by mutual consent if both spouses agree to dissolve the marriage amicably. 6. Right to Equal Rights in Matrimonial Property: Hindu Women’s Rights: Under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, Hindu women have rights to share in the family property. Amendments to the Act have strengthened women's rights in ancestral property. Muslim Law: Muslim personal laws do not provide for equal rights in marital property; however, a woman may claim her dower (meher) and maintenance. 7. Right to Child Custody: Custody Rights: During divorce or separation, a woman has the right to seek custody of her children. The court considers the welfare of the child as the primary criterion in custody decisions. Guardianship: Under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, a woman can apply for guardianship of her minor children. 8. Right to Be Free from Forced Marriage: Consent: A marriage must be based on mutual consent. Forced marriages are illegal, and a woman has the right to refuse a marriage that is forced upon her. 9. Right to Personal Safety and Dignity: Protection from Harassment: Women have the right to be free from harassment and humiliation, both within and outside the marriage. This includes protection from sexual harassment, dowry demands, and other forms of abuse. 10. Right to Education and Employment: Equal Opportunity: Women have the right to pursue education and employment opportunities. Marital status cannot be used to deny these rights. 11. Right to Health and Well-Being: Healthcare Access: Women have the right to access healthcare services, including reproductive health care, and to make decisions regarding their health and well-being. 12. Right to Be Informed and Empowered: Legal Awareness: Women have the right to be informed about their legal rights and available remedies under the law. Legal aid and support services are available to assist women in asserting their rights. 13. Right to Privacy: Privacy in Marriage: Women have the right to privacy and dignity within the marital relationship. Any invasion of privacy or breach of personal space is unlawful. 14. Right to Seek Legal Redress: Legal Remedies: Women have the right to approach courts and legal forums to seek redress for violations of their rights, including filing complaints and petitions for relief. These rights are designed to ensure that women are treated with respect and equality within marriage, and to provide legal recourse and protection in case of violations. It is important for women to be aware of these rights and seek legal help if needed to safeguard their interests and well-being.