What to do if my Girlfriend is Blackmailing me?
August 15, 2022 हिंदी में पढ़ेंTable of Contents
- How to tackle the situation?
- Blackmailing as an offense under the Indian Penal Code
- How can a lawyer help you in your criminal case?
- 1. Stand by Your Boundaries
- 2. Turn to Your Support System
- 3. Save All Proof or Evidence
- 4. Police Complaint
- 1. Criminal Intimidation - Section 503 of IPC
- 2. Extortion - Section 383 of IPC
Relationships often do not work. Sometimes couples part ways on mutual respect and other times it gets ugly. However, if your partner makes threats like, “If you don’t do what I tell you to do, I’ll call the police and get you arrested” or “If you break up with me, I’ll post those pics everywhere…”, they’re putting you in a really tough spot. This type of threat could be termed blackmail.
Blackmailing is a form of emotional abuse and, like all abuse, is about power and control. A person who uses this tactic wants to make you afraid of some consequence in order to get you to do what they want. And if your partner is threatening or blackmailing you with a commission of offenses like rape or sexual assault, it is a serious issue and is a punishable offense.
Connect with an expert lawyer for your legal issue
How to tackle the situation?
1. Stand by Your Boundaries
If you feel like it is safe for you to resist, your best option might be to stand your ground and not give in to the threats. This is often an easier way to stop them from doing more damage, but giving in to the threats usually doesn’t make them stop forever. In fact, it can intensify your partner’s sense of control, and the threats might even become more extreme in the future. It’s possible your partner won’t follow through on their threats.
Consult: T op Criminal Lawyers in India
2. Turn to Your Support System
A support system like your friend or parent etc. can help you stay strong and feel supported during a difficult time.
3. Save All Proof or Evidence
If your partner is sending you threats via text, email, social media, or voice messages, save everything. Take screenshots and keep them in a safe place, like a password-protected file or account, or you could send copies to a trusted friend or family member if your partner has access to your computer or phone. This is a way to document the threats and abuse should you choose to take legal action. Getting justice in your criminal case will hugely depend on the evidence provided by the Court in order to satisfy the judges that the offense you claim to have happened, actually happened.
Connect with an expert lawyer for your legal issue
4. Police Complaint
If your Partner's blackmail or threats continues to grow or become violent, you should lodge a police complaint to the nearest police station or alternatively issue a lawyer's notice to your partner. It is recommended to hire a good criminal lawyer who will be able to guide you on the right path.
Blackmailing as an offense under the Indian Penal Code
Blackmailing can possibly fall under the categories of Criminal Intimidation or Extortion, both being punishable offenses under the Indian Penal Code 1860 . Blackmailing can be Criminal Intimidation under Section 503 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
1. Criminal Intimidation - Section 503 of IPC
Blackmailing can be Criminal Intimidation under Section 503 of the Indian Penal Code , 1860. Criminal Intimidation is when a person threatens another person with an injury to his person, reputation, or property, or to the person or reputation of any other individual in whom that person is interested, with a (malafide) intention to cause harm to that person, or when causes a such person to do any act that he is not entitled to do, as a means of avoiding the execution of such threat.
A person committing the offense of Criminal Intimidation can be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 2 years, or fine, or both.
2. Extortion - Section 383 of IPC
Blackmailing (even along with Criminal Intimidation), can fall under Extortion under Section 383 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 . Extortion is when any person, intentionally, puts any person in the fear of any injury to that person, or to any other, and thereby dishonestly induces the person so put in fear to deliver to any person, any property or valuable security, or anything signed or sealed which may be converted into a valuable security.
A person committing the offense of Extortion can be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 3 years, or fine, or both.
Thus, blackmailing can turn into a serious offense and the offender may be punished with jail time and even a fine.
Consult: T op Criminal Lawyers in India
How can a lawyer help you in your criminal case?
A lawyer having substantial experience in handling criminal cases can guide you through the court procedure and can help you prepare a solid case. He/She can guide you in the right direction after considering the facts and circumstances of your case. A lawyer has the requisite expertise in dealing with such matters and can help you in attaining justice. He/She can even prepare your case, prepare you for your cross-examinations and guide you on how to answer the other party's questions. Having a good criminal lawyer by your side you can ensure a successful result in your case in the minimum time possible. You can also ask a lawyer online a free legal question using LawRato's Ask a Free Question service.
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User Reviews
4.7 - 22 reviews
I have a boyfriend messages threatening me. Can I file complaint against him?
Under what IPC section can I file a complaint for blackmailing?
what is the procedure to file complaint?
Very good article. Please refer a lawyer for the same issue
please tell me how to file a complaint against my gf?
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