Forced marriage by girlfriends parents

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If your girlfriend is a major (18 years or above) and competent to take her own decisions, her marriage cannot lawfully be forced upon her against her free consent. Her parents’ emotional pressure, threats of suicide, or threats regarding her sisters’ education do not create a legal obligation upon her to marry the person chosen by them. As her boyfriend, you should not personally confront or threaten her family or attempt to forcibly stop the engagement. Instead: 1. Obtain a clear statement from her that she does not consent to the proposed marriage. 2. Preserve evidence of threats, coercion, messages, calls and other communications. 3. If she apprehends danger, she should approach the police and seek protection for her life and liberty. 4. If police protection is inadequate or the circumstances warrant it, an appropriate petition before the High Court for protection of life and liberty may be considered. 5. If both of you intend to marry, take advocates advise regarding the applicable marriage law and complete the legal formalities. 6. Do not abduct, confine or secretly take her away against her wishes, and do not make false allegations against her family. The most important point is that the legal complaint/protection request should ordinarily come from your girlfriend herself, because she is the person whose choice and liberty are being interfered with. You can accompany and support her throughout the process. If there is an immediate threat to her life or physical safety, the priority is getting her to a safe place and contacting the appropriate emergency/police authorities rather than waiting for the engagement date.

Advocate Somit Vyas LawRato