Illustration of FIR register in police station in India

What Is an FIR? Who Can File It and How

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

What Is an FIR? Who Can File It and How When a crime occurs, people often hear the term FIR but are unsure what it actually means or how it is filed. An FIR is usually the first formal step in the criminal justice process. Understanding it helps citizens know their rights and the role of the police. What Is …

illustration of domestic violence laws in india

Can False Allegations Amount to Cruelty in Marriage?

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

Can False Allegations Amount to Cruelty in Marriage? False allegations between spouses can deeply affect reputation, dignity, and mental peace. A common legal question is whether false accusations themselves can amount to cruelty in marriage. Indian courts have clearly recognised that false, reckless, or malicious allegations made by one spouse against the other may amount to mental cruelty. What Are …

illustration of domestic violence laws in india

Can Domestic Violence Laws Be Misused? Legal Perspective

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

Can Domestic Violence Laws Be Misused? A Legal Perspective Domestic violence laws exist to protect women from abuse within the household. However, a common question raised is whether these laws can be misused and how courts deal with such situations. Indian courts have repeatedly clarified that while protection of genuine victims is essential, fairness and due process must be maintained …

illustration of domestic violence laws in india

What Legally Counts as Dowry Harassment in India?

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

What Legally Counts as Dowry Harassment in Marriage? Dowry harassment is one of the most misunderstood areas of marital law. Many people assume it applies only when there is physical violence or immediate demands for money. Legally, however, dowry harassment is examined based on conduct, demands, and pressure linked to marriage, not merely physical acts. What Is Dowry in Legal …

illustration of domestic violence laws in india

What Proof Is Required in Domestic Violence Cases?

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

What Proof Is Required in Domestic Violence Cases? A common question people have is whether strong documentary or medical proof is mandatory to file or succeed in a domestic violence case. The short answer is: there is no fixed or rigid list of proof. Courts examine domestic violence cases based on facts, circumstances, and overall conduct. Is Medical Evidence Mandatory? …

illustration of domestic violence laws in india

Is Mental Harassment Considered Domestic Violence?

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

Is Mental Harassment Considered Domestic Violence? Many people believe that domestic violence requires physical injury. This is incorrect. Indian law clearly recognises that mental harassment and emotional abuse can also amount to domestic violence if it seriously affects a person’s dignity, safety, or mental well-being. What Is Mental Harassment? Mental harassment refers to behaviour that causes continuous emotional pain, psychological …

illustration of domestic violence laws in india

Difference Between Cruelty and Domestic Violence

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

Difference Between Cruelty and Domestic Violence Many people use the terms cruelty and domestic violence interchangeably. Legally, however, they are not the same. While both deal with abusive behaviour within marriage or domestic relationships, they serve different legal purposes and lead to different remedies. What Is Cruelty in Simple Terms? Cruelty refers to behaviour by one spouse that causes such …

Illustration of legality of live in relationships in india

What Is Domestic Violence Under Indian Law?

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

What Is Domestic Violence Under Indian Law? Domestic violence is often misunderstood as only physical beating. Under Indian law, however, domestic violence has a much wider meaning and covers several forms of abuse within a household. The law recognises that harm inside a home may be physical, mental, emotional, verbal, or economic, and all of these can seriously affect a …

Illustration of legality of live in relationships in india

Can Parents or Police Force Live-In Couples to Separate?

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

Can Parents or Police Force Live-In Couples to Separate? Couples in live-in relationships often face pressure from families or interference from police. A common fear is whether parents or police can legally force two adults in a live-in relationship to separate. The answer depends on law, consent, age, and circumstances — not on social approval. Is a Live-In Relationship Illegal …

Illustration of legality of live in relationships in india

Can Women in Live-In Relationships Use Domestic Violence Law?

Delhi Law Academy 3 Year LLB, 5 Year LLB, Criminal Law

Can Women in Live-In Relationships Use the Domestic Violence Law? A very common doubt among women is whether the Domestic Violence law applies only to married women, or whether it also protects women in live-in relationships. The clear legal position today is that women in certain live-in relationships can seek protection under the Domestic Violence law, even if they are …