From Womb to Tomb: India’s Laws Across the Life Cycle

The Legal Framework Through Every Stage of Existence in India

Law is like an environment that surrounds the people in their every movement. Law governs the entire cycle of human life, from conception to death and even beyond. Much like the physical environment, legal rules and principles are an ever-present and all-encompassing force in society,

In India, there are about 1000 Central Acts still in force out of 6000 plus Acts made so far since 1834. 28 states + 8 union territories have their own legislatures. Each passes new Acts yearly and many older ones remain in force. So the total for State Acts may be tens of thousands. A conservative broad estimate is Central + State Acts in India both in force + historical, might total to 20,000+ as of 2025.

Here is a life-cycle–wise list of major Acts, Rules, Regulations and Policies in India, according to different stages and spheres of human existence i.e. from womb to tomb.

Before Birth — Conception and Maternity

These laws protect life and rights even before birth and during pregnancy:

• Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021 - Regulates abortion and protects reproductive rights of women.
• Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PCPNDT Act) - Prevents female foeticide and misuse of diagnostic technology. 
• Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 - Provides maternity leave, benefits and crèche facilities to women employees. 
• National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA)- Ensures nutritional support to pregnant and lactating women. 
• Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992 - Promotes breastfeeding and regulates infant food products.

Birth, Childhood and Early Years

Covers registration, care, education and protection of children:

• Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 - Mandates registration of all births and deaths in India.
• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 - Provides for care, protection and rehabilitation of children.
• Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act) - Ensures free education for children aged 6–14 years. The minimum age required for children to be sent to schools for formal admission to Class 1 is generally six years as per the National Education Policy (NEP)
• Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 - Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in hazardous work.
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) - Ensures protection of minors from sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 - Prohibits marriage below 18 years (female) and 21 years (male).
• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Act, 2005 - Establishes a body to monitor child rights.

Adolescence, Youth and Education

Relates to personal development, learning and skill-building:

• University Grants Commission Act, 1956 - Regulates higher education and universities.
• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Act, 1987 - Governs technical and professional education.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 (Policy framework) - Guides modern educational reforms.
• Apprentices Act, 1961 - Provides for training and skill development of youth.
• Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI) - Promotes greater transparency and accountability in government, empowering citizens to access information, question officials and hold public authorities accountable for their actions. 
• The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 - Regulates how organizations handle digital personal data.

Adulthood, Marriage, Family and Relationships

Laws governing marriage, divorce, maintenance, guardianship and adoption.

• Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 - Regulates marriage, divorce, and restitution of conjugal rights among Hindus.
• Special Marriage Act, 1954 - Enables inter-religious and civil marriages under a secular framework.
• Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 - Governs family matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance among Muslims.
• Christian Marriage Act, 1872 - Lays down the procedure for solemnization and registration of Christian marriages.
• Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 - Regulates marriage and divorce among Parsis under community law.
• Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 - Governs adoption and maintenance obligations within Hindu families.
• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 - Prohibits giving, taking, or demanding dowry in marriages.
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 - Safeguards women from physical, emotional and economic abuse. 
• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 - Ensures care and maintenance of elderly parents and senior citizens.

Property, Employment and Civic Life

Laws governing work, ownership, income, taxation and civic participation.

• Employment and Labour - Regulates employment relations, workers’ rights and welfare measures.
• Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 - Provides mechanisms for resolving employer-employee conflicts.
• Factories Act, 1948 - Ensures workplace safety, health and welfare of factory workers.
• Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 - Provides retirement and savings benefits to employees.
• Code on Wages, 2019 - Consolidates wage-related laws to ensure fair pay for all workers.
• Code on Social Security, 2020 - Integrates multiple welfare schemes for employees and unorganized workers.
• Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 - Regulates safety and health standards at workplaces.
• Industrial Relations Code, 2020 - Reforms labour relations, strikes, and union recognition processes.

Property, Residence and Ownership

Governs the acquisition, registration, transfer and inheritance of property.

• Societies Registration Act, 1860 / Cooperative Societies Act, 1912 - Provides for formation and regulation of cooperative and community associations.
• Transfer of Property Act, 1882 - Regulates sale, mortgage, lease and transfer of immovable property.
• Registration Act, 1908 - Prescribes procedures for registering legal documents and deeds.
• Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) - Protects homebuyers and ensures transparency in real estate projects.
• Hindu Succession Act, 1956 / Indian Succession Act, 1925 - Governs inheritance, wills and succession of property.

Citizenship and Civic Rights

Defines individual identity, participation and legal standing within the nation.

• Constitution of India, 1950 [Fundamental Rights 12 to 35 & Directive Principles of State Policy 36 to 51] - Guarantees fundamental rights, duties and equality before law.
• Representation of the People Act, 1951 - Regulates the conduct of elections and voting eligibility.
• Passport Act, 1967 & Emigration Act, 1983 - Govern issuance of passports and regulation of emigration.
• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Regulates vehicle ownership, traffic rules and driver licensing.
• Income Tax Act, 1961- Governs taxation on income and defines obligations of all persons, including minors.
• Aadhaar Act, 2016 - Establishes a unique identification system for welfare and public services.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 - Protects personal data and privacy in the digital domain.
• Excise Acts (Central and State) - Regulate production, sale and legal consumption age for alcohol.

Intellectual Property Rights

Protects creative, scientific and commercial innovations.

• Indian Contract Act, 1872 - Defines formation, validity and enforcement of legal contracts.
• Copyright Act, 1957 - Safeguards creative works in literature, art and media.
• Patents Act, 1970 - Grants exclusive rights over new inventions and technologies.
• Trade Marks Act, 1999 - Protects brand identity and commercial symbols.
• Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999 - Safeguards regional product identity and authenticity.
• Designs Act, 2000 - Protects original industrial designs and aesthetics.
• Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Act, 2000 - Protects layout designs of microchips and circuits. 
• Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 - Recognizes breeders’ and farmers’ rights over new plant varieties.

Environment, Public Health and Civic Living

Laws promoting sustainable living, environmental care and health protection. 

• Indian Forest Act, 1927 - Manages forest produce and conservation of natural resources.
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 - Regulates manufacture and sale of medicines and cosmetics.
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 - Prevents and controls water pollution.
• Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 - Regulates air quality & industrial emissions.
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 - Serves as an umbrella law for environmental conservation.
• Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 - Governs disposal of medical and hazardous waste.
• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 - Ensures hygiene and quality standards for food products.
• National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 - Establishes a specialized body for environmental adjudication.

Rights, Safety and Justice

Laws ensuring justice, equality and human dignity under due process.

• Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) - Defines offences and prescribes punishments for crimes.
• Indian Evidence Act, 1872 - Governs admissibility and evaluation of evidence in courts.
• Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) - Regulates procedures for civil disputes and suits.
• Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) - Outlines criminal investigation and trial procedures.
• Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 - Establishes National and State Human Rights Commissions.
• Right to Privacy (Puttaswamy Judgment, 2017) - Recognizes privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution.

Death, Succession and Beyond

Laws governing death registration, inheritance and posthumous rights.

• Hindu Succession Act, 1956 / Indian Succession Act, 1925 - Regulates inheritance, wills and property transfer after death.
• Anatomy Act, 1949 (State-specific) - Governs donation of human bodies for medical research and education.
• Notaries Act, 1952 & Indian Stamp Act, 1899 - Legalize and authenticate documents and transactions.
• Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 - Mandates official recording of deaths.
• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 - Ensures post-retirement care and dignity for the elderly.
• Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Initiatives - Promote dignity and care through decriminalization and support systems.

Cross-cutting and Lifetime Rights

Laws ensuring transparency, accountability and welfare throughout life.

• Constitution of India, 1949- The supreme law guaranteeing rights, freedoms and duties.
• Information Technology Act, 2000 (Amendment 2008) - Regulates cybercrime, e-commerce and digital governance.
• Right to Information Act, 2005 - Empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities.
• Disaster Management Act, 2005 - Provides a legal framework for disaster preparedness and response.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 - Safeguards mental health rights and access to humane treatment.
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019 - Protects consumer rights and ensures fair trade practices.

Thus, from the womb to the tomb, law safeguards life, liberty and dignity at every turn — shaping society’s conscience and conduct. Law, therefore, is all-pervasive, invisible, impactful, regulatory and dynamic in nature.

 Advocate Y Babji

 

Suggested Syllabus

PG Diploma in Public Relations

Simultaneous with a UG Degree

(aligns with the guidelines of UGC and NEP 2020)

Duration: 1 Academic Year (July to March)

No. of Units: 5

Classes per Month: 5 (1 Hour each)

Total Hours: 45 hours

Objective: To equip learners with professional, ethical and strategic communication skills that are essential for contemporary Public Relations practice.

Unit I – Foundations of Public Relations (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
Introduction to Public Relations: Concept & Evolution	1 hour
Functions, Scope and Importance of PR	1 hour
PR and Communication: Theoretical & Applied Perspectives	1 hour
Publics in PR: Internal & External Stakeholders	1 hour
PR vs. Advg. vs. Marketing vs. HR : Distinctions & Interlinkages	1 hour
Principles & Ethics of Public Relations Practice	1 hour
Role of Public Relations in Society & Democracy	1 hour
Growth & Development of Public Relations in India	1 hour
Professional Associations: PRSI, PRCAI, IPRA, Global Alliance etc	1 hour

 Unit II – Strategic Public Relations & Corporate Communication (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
Corporate Communication and PR: Strategic Alignment	1 hour
Corporate Identity, Image and Reputation Management	1 hour
PR Planning, Budgeting & Strategy Formulation	1 hour
Media Relations & Press Conference Management	1 hour
Crisis Communication: PR in Risk & Reputation Management	1 hour
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and PR Interface	1 hour
Case Studies: CSR Initiatives of Major Corporates	1 hour
Internal Communication & Employee Relations	1 hour
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building	1 hour

Unit III – PR Writing, Media and Tools (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
Writing for PR: Press Releases, Speeches, Reports & Features	1 hour
Visual Communication and Design in PR	1 hour
PR and Digital Content Creation	1 hour
Writing for Print, Radio, Television and Online Media	1 hour
Social Media Management and Digital Engagement	1 hour
Event Management and Publicity Campaigns	1 hour
Tools & Techniques in PR: House Journals, Newsletters & Brochures	1 hour
Measurement and Evaluation of PR Campaigns	1 hour
Ethics in Media Relations and Online Communication	1 hour

Unit IV – Public Relations in Practice (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
In-house PR vs. PR Consultancy: Structure & Functions	1 hour
Government & Public Sector PR: Objectives & Approaches	1 hour
NGO and Development Communication	1 hour
PR in Education, Healthcare and Tourism Sectors	1 hour
Corporate and Political Communication Strategies	1 hour
International Public Relations & Global Communication	1 hour
Public Opinion, Media Ethics and Regulation	1 hour
Reputation Management & Branding	1 hour
Case Studies: Successful PR Campaigns (India & Abroad)	1 hour

 

 Unit V – Emerging Trends & Field Exposure (9 Hours)

Topic	Time
The Changing Landscape of Public Relations	1 hour
Digital PR, AI and Data-Driven Communication	1 hour
Influencer Relations and Online Reputation Management	1 hour
PR and Sustainability Communication	1 hour
Public Relations in the Age of Ethical AI	1 hour
Future of PR Education and Skills	1 hour
Industry Interaction: Guest Lecture / Expert Talk	1 hour
Field Visits: PR Departments in Corporate Houses / Govt. Offices	1 hour
Seminar Presentation / Case Study Review	1 hour

Evaluation Pattern

Continuous Internal Assessment on 5 Units*: 25 Marks

(Pass Marks: 10)

Project Report: 10 Marks

(Pass Marks: 7)

Viva Voce on Project Report: 5 Marks

(Pass Marks: 3)

Final Written Examination: 60 Marks

(Pass Marks: 25)

Total Marks: 100

(Pass Marks: 45)

*Continuous Internal Assessment shall include -

1.     Writing a press release or speech drafting (Assignment)

2.     Giving a mock press conference (Presentation)

3.     Conducting a mini PR campaign (Project)

4.     Submitting a case study analysis (Report)

5.     Participating in group discussions or media simulations (Participation)

 

Y Babji

Academic Counsellor & Course Writer, DrBRAOU (since 1989)

Member, Syllabus Committee on PR of APSCHE (2008-10)

 

 

AI in PR and Corporate Communication: Balancing Innovation with Integrity

“In Public Relations, trust is the true currency. Artificial Intelligence may amplify communication, but only Human Integrity can sustain it.” 

— Y. Babji

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a decisive force shaping the modern information ecosystem. Within Public Relations (PR) and Corporate Communication, AI functions both as a tool and a catalyst automating routine processes while enabling deeper insights into audience psychology and behaviour (Liu and Fraustino 2022). Contemporary PR practice no longer revolves solely around media relations or press releases; it thrives on data analytics, predictive modelling and algorithmic listening. Generative tools such as ChatGPT, DALL.E and Jasper have begun to assist communication professionals in drafting press notes, preparing campaign materials and even designing narratives in real-time (Institute for Public Relations 2023). AI in communication is, therefore, not an abstract future. It is an evolving present.

However, this transformation brings profound ethical, philosophical and managerial questions. As corporations adopt AI-driven content systems, issues of transparency, bias and accountability have come to the forefront (Floridi et al. 2020). The debate is not whether AI should be used, but how it should be governed within the moral and cultural frameworks that define responsible communication. In India, too, PRSI and other industry bodies have started deliberating on guidelines for AI in communication strategy (PRSI 2024).

AI as an Enabler of Strategic Efficiency

AI has made PR and Corporate Communication more evidence-based than ever before. Using machine learning, natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analytics, organizations can anticipate trends and sentiment long before they appear in public discourse (Wiencierz and Rottger 2021). For instance, tools like Meltwater and Brandwatch use AI to scan millions of media mentions across languages, providing early alerts on reputational risk. AI also assists in content personalization duly customizing social media and email communication according to individual user profiles (Mahl et al. 2023). Through these capabilities, AI expands the strategic toolkit of communicators, allowing them to monitor, measure and manage perception in real-time.

Automation has reduced the burden of repetitive tasks such as media monitoring, report generation and scheduling posts. As a result, PR professionals can invest more time in strategic storytelling and creative ideation (Zhao 2023). AI Chatbots and voice assistants are being deployed for stakeholder engagement, internal communication and customer relations, making two-way communication more efficient (Jiang et al. 2023). Thus, AI acts as a force multiplier for human creativity, transforming PR from a reactive craft into a proactive science of engagement.

AI as a Disruptor of Ethics and Human Values

Every technological advancement carries a moral cost and AI in PR is no exception. The rapid proliferation of generative content has intensified risks related to misinformation and deepfakes (Floridi et al. 2020). Automated newsrooms, synthetic spokespersons and algorithmically written press releases raise questions about authenticity and accountability. If a Chatbot issues an apology or clarifies a corporate stance, does the public perceive it as genuine? The erosion of human touch in crisis communication can weaken emotional credibility (Brennen 2021).

Moreover, algorithmic bias embedded in AI models can reinforce social stereotypes, selectively amplify voices or silence dissent (Diakopoulos 2020). Deepfake videos and manipulated audio can threaten reputations overnight, creating crises that traditional PR mechanisms are ill-equipped to handle. Therefore, PR professionals must not merely be users of AI. They must be its ethical gatekeepers, ensuring that technology serves truth rather than distorts it (European Commission 2021).

Transforming Roles and Skillsets in PR Practice

The integration of AI into communication workflows demands a re-orientation of professional competencies. Data literacy, algorithmic awareness and strategic interpretation are now as vital as writing and media handling (Tench et al. 2022). Future PR professionals must blend creative sensibility with technical acumen by becoming hybrid communicators capable of navigating both content and code. Globally, universities are beginning to introduce AI literacy into PR curricula, emphasizing ethical reasoning alongside computational understanding (Holtzhausen 2023). In India, media schools under open and conventional universities alike are exploring interdisciplinary modules combining communication, analytics and ethics.

Corporate communication departments increasingly rely on ‘digital translators’—professionals who can connect data scientists and communication strategists (Chung and Park 2023). Such roles ensure that AI insights are not interpreted in isolation but aligned with organizational values and human emotions. PR education must evolve from narrative training to data-driven leadership, balancing empathy with evidence.

Responsible Integration Framework

AI’s integration into communication cannot be left to chance. It requires a governance framework grounded in transparency, accountability and human oversight (European Commission 2021). Transparency demands that audiences know when and where AI-generated content is being used. Accountability ensures that when errors or misinformation occur, identifiable humans remain responsible. Human oversight implies continuous ethical evaluation. Therefore, PR practitioners must act as curators of credibility. UNESCO's 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI is a global standard that champions human rights and dignity, transparency and accountability, applicable to all 194 member states.

The European Union's Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI are noteworthy at this juncture. Ethical AI integration shall therefore rest on four pillars: (i) clarity of purpose, (ii) algorithmic accountability (iii) stakeholder inclusivity and (iv) continual learning. AI must complement human creativity rather than replace it. Communication guided by empathy and authenticity can coexist with algorithmic precision if guided by ethical reflection (Brennen 2021). Hence, the future of AI in PR depends not merely on technological adoption but on cultivating moral intelligence alongside machine intelligence.

Case Illustrations: Global and Indian Perspectives

In global practice, companies like IBM, Microsoft and Unilever have developed AI-driven reputation management dashboards that map stakeholder sentiment in real-time (Jiang et al. 2023). These systems integrate social media analytics with ethical guidelines ensuring fairness and privacy. Meanwhile, Indian corporations and public institutions such as Tata Communications and Press Information Bureau are experimenting with AI-enabled media outreach and feedback systems.

At the educational front, since 2 years, workshops and webinars of PRSI through its Chapters – Chennai and Hyderabad on the topics like ‘AI for Communicators’ aim to sensitize young professionals to balance innovation with ethical awareness. Such instances illustrate that AI adoption must be culturally contextualized. The moral compass guiding a communication practitioner in India may differ from that of a PR manager in London, but both operate under the shared global expectation of trust and transparency (PRCAI 2024).

Conclusion

AI in Public Relations and Corporate Communication embodies a paradox of progress. It democratizes access to data while centralizing power in algorithms. The challenge for communicators lies in steering this paradox toward human progress rather than manipulation. Ethical frameworks, skill-based training and institutional accountability form the triad for sustainable AI communication.

Ultimately, technology cannot replace the emotional intelligence, cultural empathy and moral courage that define great communicators. As AI takes over information processing, PR professionals must strengthen their role as custodians of truth and interpreters of meaning. AI may write the message, but integrity must sign it (Liu and Fraustino 2022).