No, consuming alcohol in a parked car in India is illegal in most cases.

Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a person can be penalised for drunk driving if found under the influence of alcohol while being in control of a motor vehicle. A parked car on a public road is treated as a public place, even if the engine is switched off.

Authorities may presume control if a person is seated inside the vehicle, especially in the driver’s seat. Additionally, State Excise Laws prohibit alcohol consumption in public places, which includes vehicles parked in public areas.

Fine up to ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment up to six months can be imposed.

No, it is strictly illegal. In India, determining or disclosing the sex of a foetus is prohibited under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994.

Even though medical tests like ultrasounds are legal for health reasons, using them for sex determination is a criminal offence.

Doctors, clinics, and anyone seeking or advertising such tests can face imprisonment and heavy fines.

This law exists to prevent female foeticide and protect the right to life and dignity of the girl child.

Yes, modifying bikes in India is legal, but only within strict limits.

Under Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, a vehicle cannot be altered in a way that changes the original specifications set by the manufacturer. Structural changes, engine alterations, or unauthorised colour changes are prohibited.

In 2019, the Supreme Court clarified that no modification is allowed if it alters the manufacturer’s original design mentioned in the registration certificate. Only minor modifications (like decals or accessories) are permitted, with RTO approval.

Illegal modifications can lead to fines, vehicle seizure, or even jail.

Not entirely, because no law in India outrightly bans tenants from keeping pets.

Courts and animal welfare authorities have clarified that blanket restrictions on pet ownership by landlords or housing societies are legally questionable, as keeping pets forms part of the right to life and companionship under Article 21.

However, landlords may impose reasonable conditions to prevent property damage, nuisance, or hygiene issues.

Absolute bans solely based on pet ownership, without valid justification, can be challenged under law.

Yes, but with strict restrictions. The use of loudspeakers during festivals is regulated under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

Loudspeakers are generally permitted only during designated hours, usually between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., even on festive occasions.

Use of loudspeakers beyond prescribed limits, or during night hours, requires prior permission from local authorities.

States may allow limited exemptions during major festivals, but unrestricted or prolonged use causing public nuisance is illegal and can attract penalties.

Yes, it is legally recognised. Mental health conditions are treated as medical issues, and employees can take medical or sick leave for mental health reasons.

Depending on company policy and applicable labour laws, this may be paid or unpaid. Employers may require medical certification, but you are not obligated to disclose details to colleagues.

Denying leave or penalising an employee solely for mental health reasons can amount to unfair labour practice or discrimination.

Mental health leave is lawful, valid, and increasingly recognised as essential to employee well-being.

Yes, but with strict limits. Delhi Metro allows small household knives (like fruit-cutting knives in tiffin boxes) inside coaches.

This permission was given only to reduce security check delays, not for self-defence. Carrying knives for protection or as weapons is not permitted, and misuse can attract legal action.

The rule applies narrowly to everyday utility items, not sharp or dangerous weapons.

Delhi Metro has clearly stated that this decision has no link to women’s safety policies or self-defence rights.

Yes, but only with a valid licence. In India, civilians can legally buy a gun only after obtaining an arms licence under the Arms Act, 1959.

Licences are granted selectively by the District Magistrate based on genuine need (such as self-defence, sport shooting, or crop protection), clean criminal record, and police verification.

Automatic and military-grade weapons are strictly banned. Buying, possessing, or carrying a firearm without a licence is illegal and punishable with imprisonment.

Only after approval can a firearm be legally purchased from a licensed dealer.

No, a complete denial of refunds on cancelled tickets is generally not legal in India. Under the Consumer Protection Act, service providers must follow fair trade practices and honour refund terms clearly disclosed at the time of booking.

The Court has said that arbitrary or unfair refund policies amount to a deficiency in service. 

Airlines, railways, cinemas, and event organisers may deduct reasonable cancellation charges, but they cannot refuse refunds altogether if the service is not provided.

If a ticket is cancelled by the service provider, the consumer is entitled to a full refund. Unjustified denial of refunds can be challenged before consumer forums.

Yes, it is legal to adopt a child as a single parent in India, subject to statutory conditions. Adoption is governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations framed by CARA.

The law permits single men and single women to adopt, with one restriction: a single male cannot adopt a girl child. The Supreme Court has held that adoption laws must prioritise the welfare of the child and cannot discriminate arbitrarily.

In Shabnam Hashmi v. Union of India, the Court held that adoption is a legal right under secular law and is not restricted by religion. The Court observed that personal laws cannot override the right to adopt under the JJ Act.

Single parents must meet eligibility criteria related to age, financial stability, and mental fitness, and adoption requires approval through the prescribed legal process.

No, generally it is not legally permitted to drink alcohol at your office unless your employer’s policy expressly allows it and relevant laws are complied with.

Most Indian workplaces prohibit alcohol consumption during work hours as misconduct and for safety reasons, and violating these policies can lead to disciplinary action or termination.

The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act lists liquor consumption at work as misconduct under model standing orders.

However, a few states (e.g., Haryana) may allow licensed consumption of low-alcohol beverages in certain large corporate offices under specific excise rules.

Yes, you can carry sealed alcohol bottles on the Delhi Metro, but with conditions.

Passengers are now allowed to carry up to two sealed bottles of alcohol per person on all Delhi Metro lines, aligning it with the Airport Express Line policy.

However, drinking alcohol inside the metro or its premises remains strictly prohibited, and passengers must maintain proper decorum.

Anyone found behaving indecently under the influence may face action under relevant laws.

Recording court proceedings without the court’s permission is not legal in India.

The Model Rules for Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings provide for official authorised recording only; they do not permit unauthorised recording by litigants or the public.

Unauthorized recording is prohibited and can amount to contempt or breach of court decorum. Courts across India routinely refuse permission for private recording and such clips are not accepted as evidence. 

In short, one cannot legally record or share court proceedings without explicit court authorisation.

Under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, films and their clips are protected as “cinematograph works,” giving rights holders exclusive control over reproduction, distribution, and public communication. 

Uploading or including such clips in an Instagram Reel without a licence can amount to copyright infringement.

Section 52 of the Act provides limited “fair dealing” provisions that allow certain unlicensed uses. For example, criticism or review, reporting current events, or educational purposes. Simply reposting or remixing a movie scene for entertainment or aesthetic appeal usually does not qualify. 

However, these exceptions are narrowly interpreted and depend on context, purpose, and the extent of use.