Know Your Rights: Everyday Legal Situations Every Student Should Understand

🧾 Know Your Rights: Everyday Legal Situations Every Student Should Understand

As students, we often focus on academics, friendships, and career goals — but how often do we think about our legal rights? Knowing your basic rights isn’t just for lawyers; it’s for every citizen, especially students who are learning to navigate the real world.

At LexFunis, we believe that awareness is the first step toward empowerment. This article breaks down some of the most common legal situations students face and how to handle them confidently.

⚖ 1. Cyber Safety and Privacy

In today’s digital world, almost every student is online — sharing, posting, and studying through the internet. But with that comes the responsibility to protect your data and identity.

• Your Rights:
  • Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, you are protected against cyberbullying, online harassment, and data theft.
  • Sharing private images or personal information without consent is a punishable offence.
• What You Can Do:
  • Don’t share passwords or OTPs with anyone.
  • Report online harassment to your local cyber cell or at cybercrime.gov.in.

🏠 2. Rental Agreements and Tenant Rights

Many college students live in rented apartments or hostels. Yet, few understand their tenant rights.

• Your Rights:
  • Always sign a written rental agreement — verbal agreements have no legal standing.
  • You cannot be evicted without proper notice as per the agreement terms.
  • Landlords cannot increase rent arbitrarily or withhold your security deposit without valid reasons.
• What You Can Do:
  • Ask for a rent receipt every month.
  • Read the agreement carefully before signing — check clauses on notice period, maintenance, and deposit.

💳 3. Financial Frauds and Scams

With UPI, online shopping, and digital banking, financial scams have become increasingly common among students.

• Your Rights:
  • As per RBI guidelines, you can claim a refund if unauthorized transactions occur due to system errors or bank negligence.
  • Fraudulent online sellers can be reported under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• What You Can Do:
  • Never share OTPs or click suspicious links.
  • Use official customer care numbers only (verify on company websites).

🎓 4. Campus Harassment and Discrimination

Every student deserves a safe and equal learning environment.

• Your Rights:
  • The Sexual Harassment (Prevention) Act, 2013 protects you against inappropriate behavior on campus.
  • Colleges must have an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for confidential handling of cases.
  • Discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, or disability violates the Indian Constitution and UGC regulations.
• What You Can Do:
  • Report to your ICC or dean immediately.
  • Keep records (emails, messages) as proof.

🧠 5. Employment and Internship Rights

Many students take part-time jobs or internships. It’s important to know what’s fair and legal.

• Your Rights:
  • Unpaid internships must still comply with basic labor laws — exploitation is not allowed.
  • Interns have the right to a safe work environment and clear communication of expectations.
• What You Can Do:
  • Ask for a written offer letter.
  • Report workplace harassment or non-payment issues to the Labour Department or HR Ministry portals.

🕊 Empower Yourself with Legal Awareness

Understanding your rights helps you make informed choices, protect yourself, and support others. At LexFunis, we aim to simplify legal learning so that every student can stand up for what’s right — confidently and responsibly.

💡 Stay informed. Stay aware. Stay empowered with LexFunis.