Someone is compelling me to marry against my will. The date for a collective marriage has been fixed, but I do not want to proceed with it. The girl’s family is threatening me that if I don’t marry her, they will take legal action against my entire family. What should we do?
Asked from: Uttar Pradesh
In the absence of an engagement or any formal agreement for marriage, it is unlawful to coerce someone into marriage against their will. If you are being threatened with marriage under such circumstances, you have the right to file a First Information Report (FIR) for the offense of extortion. Should you endure any harm as a result of these threats, it is important to take appropriate legal action.
The consent of each party to a marriage is mandatory. No one can be forced into marriage against their will. Section 5 of the Hindu Marriage Act also mandates the free consent of each party for a valid marriage. If you are being coerced into marriage against your will, that marriage could be voidable. You have the option to file a civil suit under Section 12 of the Hindu Marriage Act for the annulment of the marriage.
