Threatened by In-Laws? Your Legal Shield After a Court Marriage

You did it. You followed your heart, navigated the legal system, and are now officially married. For many, this is the start of a beautiful journey. But for some couples, especially those who marry without family consent, this can be the beginning of a period of fear and uncertainty due to threats and harassment from disapproving family members.

Let us be unequivocally clear: Once you are legally married, you are adults with full legal rights to live together peacefully. No one has the right to threaten, harass, or forcibly separate you. Your marriage certificate is a powerful legal instrument, and at Courtshaadi, we believe our job isn't just to get you married, but to ensure you can live in safety afterward.

Your Immediate Steps for Protection

If you are facing threats, time is of the essence. Do not wait for the situation to escalate. Here is your practical, step-by-step action plan:

1. Secure Your Documents

Your most important asset is your official marriage certificate. Make multiple digital copies (save them on your phone, email, Google Drive) and keep the original in a safe place. This document is the foundation of all your legal rights as a couple.

2. Approach the Local Police

The first official step is to file a formal complaint at your local police station. In legal terms, you are seeking to file a First Information Report (FIR) if the threats are serious, or at the very least, a Non-Cognizable Report (NCR) to officially document the harassment.

• Go to the police station that has jurisdiction over your current residence.
• Clearly state that you are a legally married couple (show them a copy of your certificate) and that you are being threatened by family members.
• Provide specific details of the threats: names of the individuals, dates, times, and the nature of the threats (verbal, physical, via phone calls, etc.). Save any threatening text messages or call recordings as evidence.
• The police are legally obligated to provide you with protection if you express a clear threat to your life and liberty.

"Fear thrives in silence. The moment you make an official complaint, you bring your problem into the light of the law, where it can be dealt with systematically."

3. File for a Protection Order from the High Court

For the most robust and comprehensive protection, the ultimate step is to file a protection petition before the High Court. This is where having an experienced lawyer is crucial.

A protection plea essentially asks the court to issue a direct order to the police and the threatening family members. The process generally involves:

1. Drafting the Petition: Your lawyer will draft a petition detailing your love story, your legal marriage, the specific threats you are facing, and the failure of the police to provide adequate protection (if applicable).
2. Attaching Evidence: You will attach copies of your marriage certificate, age/ID proofs, and any evidence of threats.
3. Seeking an Urgent Hearing: The court often treats these matters with urgency.
4. The Court Order: If satisfied, the High Court will issue an order directing the local police (specifically the SSP/DCP of your district) to ensure that no harm comes to you and that you are allowed to live peacefully as a married couple. This order is legally binding and carries serious consequences if violated.

You Are Not Alone

Choosing your own life partner is a fundamental right, not a crime. The Indian legal system, from the local police up to the High Court, is designed to protect this right. While facing family opposition is emotionally draining, remember that legally, you stand on solid ground.

Your journey doesn't end with a signature on a certificate; it begins with the confidence that your union is safe and protected. If you feel threatened or unsure of your next steps, don't hesitate. The law is your shield, and we are here to help you hold it up.