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What to do in case of mental harassment case against parents in India?


14-Jun-2024 (In Family Law)
I was supposed to complete my law degree in 2014, but due to family pressure, I was unable to pursue my legal career as I wanted. I had aspirations of working in the Pune Lower Court, but my parents never supported my decisions, which led me into depression. I have faced mental harassment by parents, agony, and emotional cruelty.

Currently, I am in Pune to complete my pending exams, but my parents continue to harass me, threatening that if I don’t complete my exams, they won’t allow me to return. I want to be independent, earn my own money, and follow my passion. I have been writing legal articles for law firms, but I fear being detained against my will.

What legal action against parents in India can I take in this situation? Can I file a mental harassment case against parents in India? Can I file a writ petition in the High Court under Article 226 to protect my fundamental rights from their interference?
Answers (2)

Yes, you can sue or criminally complain against parents for mental harassment, but the remedy depends on facts: if you are a woman in a domestic relationship you may seek civil relief (protection orders, residence, maintenance, compensation) under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 [https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/2021]. Criminal offences such as intimidation, insult, stalking or other offences are now defined in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and must be prosecuted under its provisions; procedure to register complaints, FIRs and investigations is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 while evidentiary rules fall under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. [BNS: https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/21069] [BNSS: https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/20099] [BSA: https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/21070]. A writ under Article 226 is typically available against the State or against a private body only when it performs a public function or the impugned act involves a public law element (see Pradeep Kumar Biswas v. Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 2002; St. Mary's Education Society v. Rajendra Prasad Bhargava, 2023). [https://indiankanoon.org/doc/471272/] [https://indiankanoon.org/doc/167605589/] If your parents are private individuals a High Court writ directly against them is usually not maintainable, but you can file criminal complaints or civil/domestic-violence petitions and you may file a writ against State authorities (for example for police inaction) if they fail to protect your rights (see Nilabati Behera v. State of Orissa, 1993). [https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1628260/]

Answer #1
855 votes
Yes, you can approach the High Court under Article 226 or the Supreme Court under Article 32 to safeguard your right to life and personal liberty. Additionally, you may file a police complaint against parents for mental harassment at the concerned police station in your area for necessary action.
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Answer #2
596 votes
Yes, you can definitely file a writ petition in the High Court under Article 226 to protect your fundamental right to education and peaceful living. If your parents' mental harassment exceeds reasonable limits, it may amount to a violation of your fundamental rights, and legal action can be taken to prevent further interference.
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