i took money from friend he only has whatsapp proof

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If you have admitted in WhatsApp messages that you borrowed money and assured repayment, those chats can be used as documentary evidence under the Indian Evidence Act and Information Technology Act. Even if he files the case himself without engaging a lawyer, the court will consider your admission as proof of liability. The place of filing will depend on jurisdiction—either where the transaction took place, where you reside, or where repayment was agreed. Attempting to contest only on technicalities is risky, as the court will direct repayment with costs and interest. Engaging a lawyer cannot erase your liability; the legal remedy for him is strong. The prudent option is to settle the matter amicably and repay, rather than trying to avoid payment, which may lead to a decree against you. Engaging a lawyer does not mean you can escape liability. A lawyer can support you only if you have a valid legal defence (for example, proof of repayment already made, the amount claimed being incorrect, or the transaction being of a different nature). But if you have no such valid ground, then trying to avoid repayment amounts to cheating, which is legally wrong and may also attract civil as well as criminal consequences. Therefore, the advisable course is to settle and repay rather than attempting to escape payment without any lawful reason.

Advocate Pavani Kumari LawRato