Crescent School of Law: Strangest Laws around the world _ Crescent School of Law

Strangest Laws around the world _ Crescent School of Law _ Mohamed Sultan Maricar

Crime is an action or omission which leads to an offence and has sanctions in law. But the categorization/codification of crime differs from one country to another. And there are certain crimes which would surprise you. Few of those strange Laws can be seen here.

Can you imagine chewing gum as an offence?

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Yes, In Singapore, Chewing Gum is an Offence. Ban on Chewing Gum sale was introduced in 1992 in Singapore. Later, an exception was granted only for the purposes of therapeutic, dental, and nicotine chewing gum. It can be brought from a registered Pharmacist or Doctor. This was one of the factors that made their country one of the cleanest countries.

Do you think of paying a fine for not maintaining your car?

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Yes, If you are driving a car in Russia and forget to keep your car clean, you would be liable for it. A fine of up to 500 roubles can be levied if you are caught driving a dirty car. The dirty is open to interpretation.

Is it illegal to change a Bulb Yourself?

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Yes, In Australia, Under Victorian law, it’s not legal to replace/ change a bulb yourself unless you’re an certified electrician. Later, it was exempted under the 1998 Electricity Safety Act, called G17 of the Orders in Council (1999).

Think of a situation: You commit a crime, and your whole family is punished? Is it Possible

Yes, If You’re in North Korea and if you commit a crime, You along with their grandparents, parents and children are punished. This law was intended to prevent people from escaping from prison.

Need a Fire hair cut, or spike or any other cut? You would land in trouble? Surprising?

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Yes, a strange law is there in North Korea. There are certain guidelines or a series of haircuts, which need to be followed by the North Korean People. On the other hand, the most fashionable haircut is the one worn by the country's leader, and others are not allowed to use it.

Selfie with the Buddha? Get ready for prison!

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In Sri Lanka, Taking a selfie with Buddha is illegal. In a selfie, you turn your back on him which is a sign of disrespect (as per the Sri Lankan Government) and is punishable by imprisonment under Sri Lanka Law. But, Photos are allowed next to the Buddhas, sideways, with the body facing him but not selfie turning your back on him.

Planning to paint your house? Get permission first.

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In Sweden, It is mandatory to get government permission to paint/repaint your house. If it is not followed, a fine will be levied. The fine would be based on your previous offences also.

Always Keep Smiling Or else

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In Milan, Italy, The law compels you to keep smiling always. It is prescribed by a city regulation from Austro-Hungarian times, which is not replaced.

Exemptions are only for funeral goers, hospital workers and those at the side of an ill family member. And others all have to be with a smiling face, or else it attracts fine.

Going for a drive in Germany, Check whether you’ve adequate fuel

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German law mandates you to have adequate fuel in the car’s tank at all times. Running out of fuel would attract action under law. There are gas stations spread beside the autobahn to ensure that there’s no shortage, so that you always find fuel when you need it.

Like to wear Heels?

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Leave your Heels at home if you're planning for sightseeing around Greece's historic cities. High heels are illegal at certain ancient monuments. As, they can damage them or threaten preservation efforts . High heels are banned in Greece’s historic places.

Interesting Laws in India

Attempted suicide, Go to Jail, if not successful.

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Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code states that you would be punished if you dont do the suicide properly. The law indicates that a successful suicide is legal, but failure might land you in jail. This is based on the notion that if a person dies, the matter dies with him. But, if they survive, they are answerable and punishable for their action. '

Going to fly a kite, get a permit first and then fly.

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The Indian Aircraft Act of 1934 considers a kite to be an aircraft. So, it is necessary to get a permit to fly one. Or else you may land in jail.

Want to become a motor vehicle inspector, then brush your teeth daily.

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For becoming an assistant motor vehicle inspector in the Andhra Pradesh Transport service, the candidates have to brush their teeth daily twice a day to prevent tooth decay. As, If an inspector fails to brush their teeth daily it would lead to the disqualification for the job. But such conditions are not in force presently.

The law reform commission of Kerala recommended a penalty of rupees Ten Thousand for the birth of a third child. And also recommended for removal of the free education, scholarship and the healthcare facilities to the child and the parents of the child. But, this was not incorporated as law. This may be a needful law in future, as India’s population is growing rapidly.

Public displays of love

Under section 294 of the Indian Penal Code, causing annoyance to others through obscene acts is a criminal offence with punishment of imprisonment up to 3 months or a fine. The law doesn't clearly mention the scope of obscene acts. But the police and other officials often use it to target couples. So, public displays of love are inappropriate if they cause inconvenience to others. So, keep that in mind next time.

Prostitution is legal but they cannot legally implore the customers in public. And Organized prostitution like prostitution rings, brothels, pimping, etc. is illegal in India. This is contradictory and India needs a well drafted legislation in this regard.

From above, it can be seen that many laws around the world are quite surprising. Other countries may see Few Indian legal provisions as a strange one, as the culture, custom and other elements differ with territory. As laws are made by the Human beings. There are high chances of errors in it. In the case of India, the only way to have efficient and proper laws is to debate on them efficiently before a bill is passed. And then the real outcome can be seen once it comes into force. It’s all like a trial and error method, once it comes into force. The present and upcoming Govt. must be ready to accept the errors and make necessary changes. As like the above strange laws, there are Provisions like Sedition, Marital Rape, Gender Neutral Law, UAPA, etc. which has to be re-looked. There are legilations which need to be made more stringent and ther are certain provisiios which need to be relaxed,

And measures have to be taken to modernise the olden colonial laws as they have practical issues with the present. There is a need for Indianization of the Indian legal system as per the words of Hon’ble CJI NV Ramana. We could tell that our system is moving towards the right direction as we’ve been reviewing the earlier legislations and changes are being made to it.