Need advice on cheating and betrayal

830 votes

This advice is issued on the basis of the facts disclosed by you regarding a long-term relationship with your former boyfriend, which began with a promise of marriage, later became emotionally and sexually abusive, and culminated in an abortion in 2015 allegedly under coercion. You have stated that you suffered severe mental, emotional, and physical trauma as a result, and that the person concerned has since married another individual in 2023. You seek clarity on the legal position and remedies available to you. Indian criminal law recognises that consent for a physical relationship obtained on the basis of a false promise of marriage may not be valid consent if it is established that the promise was dishonest and never intended to be fulfilled from the outset. Where a woman is induced into a sexual relationship on such a representation and is later exploited, threatened, or abandoned, criminal liability may arise depending on the evidence and surrounding circumstances. Each case is assessed on whether the promise was false at inception and whether consent was vitiated by deception. You have further stated that the relationship involved emotional and sexual abuse, threats of breaking up if you did not comply, and coercion leading to termination of pregnancy. Causing a woman to undergo an abortion without her free and voluntary consent is treated as a serious offence under criminal law. Medical records relating to the abortion, hospitalisation, prescriptions, or treatment for trauma are legally relevant and can corroborate your version of events. Delay in initiating proceedings does not, by itself, defeat a genuine complaint. Courts recognise that victims of sexual exploitation and coercion may take considerable time to come forward due to fear, emotional dependence, social pressure, or psychological trauma. The fact that the accused has subsequently married does not extinguish criminal liability for acts allegedly committed earlier. At the same time, it is relevant to note that courts carefully scrutinise such cases to distinguish between a consensual relationship that later failed and a relationship based on deception, abuse, or coercion. The sustainability of any proceedings depends on the consistency of the narrative, contemporaneous material, and the ability to demonstrate that the conduct complained of crossed the threshold of criminality. In summary, the facts as narrated by you disclose issues that are recognised under criminal law, including sexual exploitation based on a false promise of marriage and coercion relating to termination of pregnancy. The passage of time and subsequent events do not automatically bar legal recourse, but the ultimate outcome would depend on judicial appreciation of the facts and evidence. This advice is based on the facts disclosed and the prevailing legal position and is intended for your guidance.

Advocate Yuganshu Sharma LawRato

930 votes

Based on the facts provided, you have strong grounds to initiate legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Specifically, Section 69 addresses sexual intercourse obtained through a deceitful promise of marriage. Furthermore, the coerced abortion is a grave offense under Section 89 BNS. The delay since 2015 can be explained by the documented history of emotional abuse and ongoing trauma. I advise you to gather all available evidence, including medical records and communication logs, and file a formal complaint at the nearest Women's Helpline or police station

Advocate Yash Ajmani LawRato

964 votes

Hi there, you can definitely file a complaint against him under BNS 69. However, i'll have to look into the details of your relationships to help you prepare for a strong case. It's advisable to contact me and provide requisite details to assist you better.

Advocate Ishan Parashar LawRato

781 votes

Hi, I got your query that, and I can help you in your case , I will do all me support legally to help and get relief in monetary and legally. Pls do connect with once I can help you. I am practising in delhi all courts and my seating is Dwarka and Tis Hazari court.

Advocate Deepak Ranjan LawRato

746 votes

You may file a criminal complaint for rape on false promise of marriage (if consent was obtained by deception), criminal intimidation, and for causing miscarriage without consent (if coerced). However, the incidents are of 2015, so limitation and delay must be properly explained. Immediately approach the local police or file a complaint before the Magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC. Preserve all chats, medical records, and proof of coercion. Consult a criminal lawyer urgently for case assessment.

Advocate Abdullah Akhtar LawRato