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Delhi · Couples facing threats · Right to choose

Protection for Couples in Delhi: Police Help, Safe Houses and High Court Protection Petitions

An adult woman wants to marry a man of another caste or religion; her family locks her phone away and threatens him. A couple marries at an Arya Samaj mandir and starts receiving calls from relatives promising violence. Parents file a kidnapping complaint against their daughter's husband. A young woman is pressured to marry a man her family has chosen. These situations arise in Delhi every week. The law is clear that adults have the right to choose whom to marry and live with, and Delhi has special cells, safe houses and a High Court that regularly orders police protection. This guide explains your rights, the immediate steps to take, how the district special cells and safe houses work, how to file a protection petition in the Delhi High Court, how to deal with false complaints and habeas corpus petitions filed by families, and what recent decisions in 2025 and 2026 say. If you need a petition filed, Mara Vakil's protection petition service can help.

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Quick answer

Adults in India have a constitutional right to marry or live with a partner of their choice, and families have no legal right to stop them. If you face threats in Delhi, call 112 in an emergency, give a written complaint to the SHO and the Deputy Commissioner of Police of your district, who heads the district special cell for couples set up under the Supreme Court\'s Shakti Vahini guidelines, and ask about the government safe house. The women helpline 181 also takes calls from threatened couples. If the police do not act, an adult couple can file a protection petition in the Delhi High Court under Article 226; the Court regularly directs the SHO and beat staff to protect the couple, usually within days of filing. If parents file a kidnapping complaint or habeas corpus petition, an adult woman\'s statement that she left and married of her own free will is decisive. Keep age proof and any marriage certificate with you at all times.

Your rights: what the law says about choosing a partner

Indian courts have settled, many times over, that an adult's choice of partner is part of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution and of the freedom of expression and association under Article 19. Parents, siblings, relatives, community leaders and caste panchayats have no legal authority to override that choice. Disagreement within a family is a personal matter; threats, confinement, violence and false complaints are crimes.

DecisionWhat it established
Lata Singh v. State of U.P. (2006)Adults are free to marry anyone they like; police must ensure couples are not harassed or threatened, and must act against those who do
Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018)Detailed preventive, remedial and punitive measures against honour crimes and khap interference, including special cells, safe houses and police duties
Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. (2018)The choice of a life partner is integral to personal liberty; courts cannot annul an adult's marriage because they disapprove
Nandakumar v. State of Kerala (2018)Adults have the right to live together even without marriage
Laxmibai Chandaragi v. State of Karnataka (2021)Consent of the family or community is not necessary once two adults agree to marry; police should counsel families rather than pressure couples

Recent Delhi High Court orders

The Delhi High Court applies these principles routinely. In Uma Bharti v. Government of NCT of Delhi, reported in August 2026, Justice Saurabh Banerjee granted protection to an adult couple in a long live-in relationship who planned to marry and faced threats from the woman's father and brother, after their complaint to the SHO of Vijay Vihar went unanswered. The Court held that family members cannot interfere with or threaten the couple, directed the police to assist, and required the couple to inform the SHO of any new area within three days of moving so that protection could continue. In S v. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi), reported in September 2026, the same judge directed protection for a 26-year-old woman advocate who said her family was coercing her into a marriage of their choice.

Please note: Mara Vakil runs an online service that helps people reach independent lawyers and arranges legal services; it is not itself a law practice and offers no legal advice. In an emergency, call 112 first. This guide is general information as of October 2026; every situation needs its own assessment.

If you are being threatened: immediate steps

  1. Get to safety. If there is immediate danger, call 112. Go to a place where your family cannot easily find or reach you, such as a trusted friend's home.
  2. Keep your documents with you. Age proof (Aadhaar, school certificate, birth certificate, passport) for both partners, any marriage certificate or Arya Samaj certificate and photographs, and copies saved online.
  3. Record the threats. Save messages, call logs, voice notes and social media posts. Note dates, times and names of those threatening you.
  4. Write to the police. Give a written complaint to the SHO of the area where you are staying and send copies by email and post to the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the district. Ask for protection and for action against those threatening you.
  5. Call 181 if helpful. The women helpline 181 has been extended to couples facing threats, and can refer you to the special cell and safe house.
  6. Contact a lawyer early. If the police are slow, a protection petition can be filed in the Delhi High Court quickly.
  7. Inform your workplace or college discreetly if your family may approach them.
  8. Be careful on social media. Avoid posting your location or plans.

What not to do

Delhi's special cells, safe house and helpline

Following the Supreme Court's Shakti Vahini directions and a petition before the Delhi High Court, the Delhi Government told the Court in 2020 that it had set up 15 district special cells, co-terminus with Delhi's police districts, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police of each district as the coordinating officer, to address concerns of couples fearing honour crimes. The Social Welfare Department set up a safe house for couples facing such threats, and asked that the women helpline 181 be extended to such couples. In 2021, the Delhi Government issued a standard operating procedure under which couples whose families or communities oppose their relationship can be placed in a safe house, with the first one reported at Kingsway Camp; staying there is optional, and if a couple declines, the special cell can arrange protection where they live, depending on the threat.

How to use them

The facilities and procedures may have changed since they were reported; ask the police or the Social Welfare Department for the current arrangements.

Complaining to the police

What your complaint should say

  1. Names, ages and addresses of both partners, with a statement that both are adults.
  2. Your relationship and, if married, the date, place and form of marriage.
  3. Who is threatening you, with names, relationship, phone numbers and addresses.
  4. Specific threats with dates, and copies of messages or recordings.
  5. Any confinement, assault, seizure of documents or phones, or attempts to force a marriage.
  6. A request for protection, for action against those threatening you, and for referral to the district special cell and safe house if needed.

Offences that may apply

ConductPossible offences under the BNS
Threats to kill or harmCriminal intimidation, section 351
Locking a woman in a room, taking her phoneWrongful confinement and restraint, sections 126 and 127
BeatingHurt and grievous hurt, sections 115 to 117
Forcing a woman to marry someoneKidnapping or abducting a woman to compel marriage, section 87, among others
Attacks by a groupRioting, unlawful assembly and related offences
Killing for "honour"Murder, section 103, with conspiracy and abetment provisions

If the police do not register an FIR for cognizable offences, follow the escalation steps in our guide on FIR refusal in Delhi. For many threatened couples, though, the most practical remedy is a protection order, which can be obtained without waiting for an FIR.

Women threatened by their own family

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act covers women facing violence from family members with whom they share or shared a household, including parents and brothers. A woman confined or threatened by her own family can seek protection orders from the Mahila Court under that Act as well; see our DV guide.

Filing a protection petition in the Delhi High Court

A protection petition is a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, often filed as a criminal writ petition, asking the High Court to direct the police to protect the petitioners' life and liberty against named persons. It is the most commonly used remedy for threatened couples in Delhi.

What the petition contains

The State, through the police, is the official respondent. The family members are usually made private respondents.

How fast?

Urgent matters can often be listed within a few days, sometimes the next working day after mentioning, depending on the Court's roster. The Court issues notice, the State's counsel accepts it, and an order is frequently passed at the first hearing.

What orders typically look like

Protection orders do not decide the validity of a marriage, and the Court usually clarifies that the order does not prevent action in accordance with law on any genuine complaint. Mara Vakil's protection petition service arranges an enrolment-verified advocate to draft and file the petition. Our Delhi High Court guide explains filing and listing.

False complaints by families

A common response from disapproving families is a police complaint that the woman has been kidnapped, or that she took money and jewellery, or that the man has raped her on a false promise of marriage. How such complaints play out depends on age and evidence.

If an FIR is registered against the partner, he should consider anticipatory bail and, with the woman's statement, quashing by the High Court under section 528 BNSS. See our guide on anticipatory bail in Delhi. The couple should cooperate with the police and present documents of age and marriage.

When parents file a habeas corpus petition

Families sometimes file a habeas corpus petition claiming their adult daughter is being illegally detained by her partner. The High Court may direct the police to produce her. When she appears, the Court speaks to her, often in chambers, to ascertain her wishes. If she is an adult and states that she is with her partner of her own free will, the Court sets her at liberty to go where she wishes and dismisses the petition, sometimes directing protection. Courts have repeatedly stressed that habeas corpus cannot be used to force an adult to return to her parents.

Practical points:

Live-in couples and same-sex couples

Live-in couples

Protection does not depend on marriage. Courts have held that adults may live together without marrying, and the Delhi High Court's 2026 order in Uma Bharti, granting protection to a live-in couple planning to marry, reflects this. Some High Courts elsewhere have occasionally refused protection to live-in couples where one partner was already married to someone else; such situations need careful legal advice, since protection of life is still a duty of the State even where a relationship is not legally recognised.

Same-sex couples

Same-sex couples cannot marry under Indian law after the Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Supriyo Chakraborty, but they have the right to live together and to be protected from violence, and the Supreme Court in that case directed authorities to prevent harassment and ensure safe houses and support for queer couples. The Delhi High Court has granted police protection to same-sex couples facing threats from families. Couples can approach the police, the special cells and the High Court in the same way.

If one partner is under age

The law treats couples differently when one partner is a minor. A woman under 18 cannot legally marry, and a man under 21 cannot marry under the Special Marriage Act or the Hindu Marriage Act. Sexual relations with a person under 18 are offences under the POCSO Act and the BNS regardless of consent. Courts have shown concern for adolescent relationships in some cases, but they will not grant "protection" that permits a minor to live as a spouse. If one partner is under age, the safest course is to wait until both are of legal age and to seek advice about any existing complaints. A child in danger at home can be helped through the Child Welfare Committee and child helpline 1098.

Practical safety: before and after marriage

Before marriage

After marriage

Reconciliation

Many families eventually come to accept a marriage. Counselling and mediation can help, but a couple should never be pressured into separation in the name of reconciliation. Police and mediators are expected to counsel families, not couples, to respect the couple's decision.

Honour crimes and the law

There is no separate statute on honour killings, but every act of violence in the name of honour is punishable under the general criminal law, including murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, criminal intimidation and conspiracy. In Shakti Vahini (2018), the Supreme Court directed states to identify areas where honour crimes occur, to take preventive steps, to register FIRs promptly, to set up special cells and safe houses, and to take disciplinary action against officers who fail to act. Khap panchayats and community gatherings have no legal authority to pronounce on a couple's marriage, and those who participate in or incite violence can be prosecuted.

Delhi situations, worked through

These are invented composites, used only to illustrate how the law and procedures work.

1. An Arya Samaj marriage in Mayur Vihar

A couple, both in their mid-twenties, marry at an Arya Samaj mandir. The woman's brothers threaten to kill the husband. The couple stays with a friend and writes to the SHO and the DCP East. When there is no response in three days, their advocate files a protection petition in the Delhi High Court with their age proofs, the mandir certificate, photographs and screenshots of threats. At the first hearing, the Court directs the SHO and beat officer to protect them and requires them to inform the new SHO within three days if they move. They then register their marriage.

2. A woman pressured into an arranged marriage

A 27-year-old working woman refuses a marriage fixed by her family, who take her phone and stop her from going to work. She contacts a friend, calls 112 and leaves with police help. She files a complaint of wrongful confinement and intimidation, and later a protection petition. The Court directs police assistance and records that she is free to live where she chooses.

3. A kidnapping complaint by parents

A woman's parents file a complaint that her partner kidnapped her. She goes to the police with her age proof and a lawyer, and her statement is recorded before a Magistrate stating that she left voluntarily and married him. The police close the matter, and the couple obtains a protection order.

4. A same-sex couple in South Delhi

Two women living together face threats from one partner's family. They write to the DCP and file a protection petition. The Court directs police protection, without any question of marriage arising.

Getting help quickly

When threats are real, speed matters. Mara Vakil's protection petition service arranges an enrolment-verified advocate to draft and file a petition in the Delhi High Court; booking is free and the team confirms documents and costs on a call. If you want to marry, see the court marriage, Arya Samaj marriage and marriage registration services. For other legal questions, describe your situation in the form on this page and a Delhi advocate can call you; the introduction is free. You can also browse family lawyers in Delhi and criminal lawyers in Delhi.

What happens at a protection petition hearing

  1. Drafting and filing: the advocate drafts the petition with both partners' affidavits and documents and files it, often electronically, marking it urgent.
  2. Mentioning and listing: in genuinely urgent cases the advocate can mention the matter for early listing. Otherwise it comes up in the ordinary course, usually within days.
  3. Notice to the State: the State's standing counsel appears for the police and usually accepts notice in court.
  4. Verification: the Court may ask the petitioners to be present, in person or by video, and may verify their age and wishes. The investigating or beat officer may be asked to verify facts.
  5. Order: the Court commonly directs the SHO and beat constable to provide protection and assistance, and records that the petitioners may approach them if needed. Private respondents may be restrained from interfering.
  6. Compliance: the couple should take a copy of the order to the local police station and keep the officers' contact numbers.
  7. Disposal or follow-up: many petitions are disposed of with protection directions at the first or second hearing; others continue until the situation stabilises.

How to behave in court

Your rights at the police station

If police from another state arrive to take the woman back on the basis of a complaint by her family, insist that they follow legal procedure, involve the local Delhi police, and produce the woman before a Magistrate where required. An adult woman's statement before a Magistrate that she is with her partner by choice should end any attempt to take her away.

Couples who come to Delhi from other states

Many couples who face opposition in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar and elsewhere come to Delhi to marry and seek safety. The Delhi High Court can entertain a protection petition where the couple lives in Delhi or the threat is faced here, though the Court examines whether the couple genuinely resides in Delhi and may leave matters arising entirely in another state to that state's High Court. Points to keep in mind:

Housing, work and money after leaving home

Safety is not only about police. Couples who leave home often face practical difficulties:

For parents and families: what the law expects

Parents often act out of genuine worry, fear of social pressure, or concern that their child is being deceived. The law respects a family's concern but draws a firm line at control and violence.

Common myths

MythReality
"Police can return an adult daughter to her parents."No. An adult decides where to live.
"A love marriage needs parents' signatures."No consent of parents is required for adults.
"Protection is only for married couples."Live-in adult couples are also protected.
"If parents file kidnapping, the husband will surely be jailed."Not if the woman is an adult who left voluntarily and says so before the Magistrate.
"The High Court takes months."Urgent protection matters are commonly heard within days.
"An Arya Samaj certificate is enough for everything."Register the marriage to get an official certificate.
"Same-sex couples have no protection."They cannot marry, but they are entitled to protection from violence.

Glossary

TermMeaning
Protection petitionA writ petition asking the High Court to direct police protection
Article 226The constitutional provision giving High Courts power to issue writs
Habeas corpusA writ requiring a person said to be illegally detained to be produced before the court
SHOStation House Officer, in charge of a police station
Beat constableThe constable responsible for a particular local area
DCPDeputy Commissioner of Police, heading a police district and its special cell for couples
Safe houseGovernment accommodation for couples facing threats
Section 183 BNSSThe provision for statements recorded by a Magistrate
Private respondentsIndividuals, usually family members, named in a petition

When age is disputed

Families sometimes claim that the woman is under 18, or produce a different date of birth. Because protection and the validity of a marriage depend on age, courts look carefully at age evidence. Courts commonly give weight to the date of birth in school records, particularly the matriculation certificate, and to a birth certificate issued by the municipal authority. Aadhaar is generally treated as proof of identity rather than conclusive proof of age. Where documents conflict or are missing, a medical age assessment may be ordered, which gives only an approximate range. Couples should gather the strongest available age proof before taking any step and should never alter documents.

Government incentives for inter-caste marriages

The Central Government's Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages provides a financial incentive for eligible inter-caste marriages where one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste, subject to conditions such as registration of the marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act and first marriage of the couple. States, including Delhi, have also run their own incentive schemes for inter-caste marriages through their social welfare departments. Conditions, amounts and application procedures change, so check with the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation and the Delhi Social Welfare Department for current terms. A registered marriage certificate is usually required.

A typical timeline

StageTypical time
Threat received; couple moves to safety and calls 112 if neededImmediately
Written complaint to SHO and DCPSame day or next day
Waiting for police responseA few days
Drafting and filing a protection petitionOne to three days with documents ready
First hearing and protection orderOften within days of filing
Marriage registration (if married by rites)Weeks
Follow-up for any false casesAs needed

Checklist for a protection petition

Questions to ask a lawyer

Two more situations

A couple from Haryana in Rohini

A couple from a Haryana village, facing threats after a panchayat meeting, moves to Rohini, rents a flat with police verification and marries at an Arya Samaj mandir. Village elders send messages threatening consequences. The couple writes to the DCP Rohini and files a protection petition; the Court directs protection and records that the couple are adults free to live together. They register the marriage soon after.

A widow remarrying in Dwarka

A widow in her thirties wants to marry a colleague; her late husband's family threatens to take away her child and evict her from the matrimonial home. She seeks advice on protection, on her right to reside in the shared household under the DV Act, and on custody of her child, and files a protection petition along with the relevant family court proceedings.

The Shakti Vahini guidelines in more detail

The Supreme Court's 2018 judgment in Shakti Vahini v. Union of India is the foundation of Delhi's arrangements. It grouped its directions into three kinds.

Preventive measures

Remedial measures

Punitive measures

When writing to the police or filing a petition, referring to the Shakti Vahini directions reminds authorities of these duties.

Looking after yourselves

Leaving home under threat, losing family support, and dealing with police and courts can be exhausting and frightening. It is normal to feel anxiety, guilt or grief even when you are sure of your choice. Lean on trusted friends, keep a routine where you can, and consider speaking to a counsellor. Women can approach One Stop Centres for counselling and support, and many workplaces offer employee assistance programmes. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, reach out for help immediately.

Digital safety for threatened couples

Families often track couples through phones and social media. Simple steps reduce the risk:

Getting your documents and belongings back

Families sometimes keep a woman's certificates, passport, jewellery or phone to stop her leaving. These belong to her. She can ask the police in writing to help retrieve them, and the police can accompany her to the family home. A woman's stridhan, gifts given to her, and her own earnings and documents remain hers. If the family refuses, a complaint for criminal breach of trust or wrongful retention, and civil or DV Act remedies, may be used. Keep a list of the items and any photographs or receipts.

Protection from courts in other states

If a couple lives in Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad or Ghaziabad, the High Court of that state is usually the right forum, though threats in Delhi or residence in Delhi can give the Delhi High Court jurisdiction. High Courts across India, including Punjab and Haryana and Allahabad, regularly hear protection petitions from couples. An advocate can advise which court is best placed to act quickly in your circumstances.

Protection for couples in Delhi: frequently asked questions

Do adults need family consent to marry in India?

No. Adults have a constitutional right to marry a partner of their choice.

Can parents legally stop their adult daughter's marriage?

No. They have no legal authority to override an adult's choice.

What should I do if my family threatens me for marrying by choice?

Get to safety, call 112 in danger, write to the SHO and DCP, save evidence and consider a protection petition.

Who heads the special cell for couples in Delhi?

The Deputy Commissioner of Police of each district is the coordinating officer.

How many special cells does Delhi have?

Delhi reported 15 district special cells in 2020, co-terminus with police districts.

Is there a safe house for couples in Delhi?

Yes. The Social Welfare Department set up a safe house, with the first reported at Kingsway Camp.

Is staying in the safe house compulsory?

No. It is optional, and the special cell can arrange protection where you live.

Can I call 181 if I am threatened for marrying?

Yes. The 181 helpline was extended to couples facing such threats.

What is a protection petition?

A writ petition in the High Court asking it to direct police to protect a threatened couple.

How quickly can the Delhi High Court hear a protection petition?

Urgent matters are often listed within days, depending on the roster.

What documents are needed for a protection petition?

Age proofs, marriage proof if married, evidence of threats, police complaint copies and affidavits.

Do we need to be married to get protection?

No. Live-in adult couples can also get protection.

What does a typical protection order say?

It directs the SHO and beat staff to protect the couple and requires them to inform the new SHO if they move.

Does a protection order prove our marriage is valid?

No. It protects life and liberty; it does not decide the marriage's validity.

Can the Court stop my family from contacting us?

It can restrain private respondents from interfering, in suitable cases.

What did Lata Singh decide?

That adults can marry anyone and police must protect couples from harassment.

What did Shakti Vahini decide?

It directed special cells, safe houses and other measures against honour crimes.

What did Shafin Jahan decide?

That choice of a life partner is part of personal liberty under Article 21.

What did Laxmibai Chandaragi decide?

That family or community consent is not necessary for two adults to marry.

Are live-in relationships legal?

Yes. Nandakumar (2018) recognised the right of adults to live together.

What did the Delhi High Court decide in Uma Bharti (2026)?

It protected an adult live-in couple facing threats, holding that families cannot interfere or threaten.

What did the Delhi High Court do in S v. State (2026)?

It directed protection for a woman advocate coerced by her family to marry someone of their choice.

What offences apply to family threats?

Criminal intimidation, wrongful confinement, hurt, kidnapping to compel marriage and others under the BNS.

Is forcing a woman to marry a crime?

Yes. Kidnapping or abducting a woman to compel marriage is an offence under section 87 BNS.

Can a woman use the DV Act against her own parents?

Yes, if she shares or shared a household with them and faces domestic violence.

What if my family files a kidnapping case against my husband?

If you are an adult and left voluntarily, your statement before a Magistrate is usually decisive; seek legal help.

What is a section 183 BNSS statement?

A statement recorded by a Magistrate, often used for an adult woman to state that she left by her own will.

Can my partner get anticipatory bail in a false case?

Possibly; with your statement, the High Court may also quash the FIR.

What if parents file habeas corpus?

The Court will hear the adult woman; if she is with her partner by choice, she is set at liberty.

Can habeas corpus force me to return home?

No. Courts do not force an adult to return to her parents.

Can same-sex couples get police protection?

Yes. Delhi High Court has granted protection to same-sex couples facing threats.

Can same-sex couples marry?

No, after Supriyo (2023), but they can live together and are protected from violence.

Can a minor get a protection order to live with a partner?

Courts will not grant protection allowing a minor to live as a spouse; wait until legal age.

What is the legal age to marry?

18 for women and 21 for men.

What if I am under 18 and in danger at home?

Call 1098 or 112; the Child Welfare Committee can help.

Should we marry under the SMA or by religious rites?

Both are valid; the SMA's 30-day public notice may alert families, while a religious marriage can be registered afterwards.

Should we register our marriage?

Yes. Registration gives an official certificate and helps in court and with police.

Can I get my belongings from my family home?

Ask the police to accompany you if there is any risk.

Can my family take my educational certificates?

Your documents are yours; complain to the police and seek their return.

Do khap panchayats have legal authority?

No. They cannot pronounce on marriages, and inciting violence is a crime.

Is honour killing a separate offence?

There is no separate statute; it is murder and related offences under the BNS.

What if the police do not help?

Escalate to the DCP and file a protection petition in the High Court.

Can police force us to separate?

No. Police must protect adult couples and counsel families, not pressure couples.

Can we move after getting protection?

Yes, but inform the new area's SHO, usually within the time the order specifies.

Can my employer be contacted by my family?

Families sometimes try; informing your employer discreetly can help.

Should I post about my marriage on social media?

Be careful; avoid revealing your location if you face threats.

Can we get protection if one partner is already married?

Complex; some courts have refused, but protection of life remains a State duty. Take advice.

Can parents disinherit a child who married by choice?

Self-acquired property can be willed away; ancestral rights depend on law.

Does Mara Vakil file protection petitions?

Through its protection petition service, an enrolment-verified advocate drafts and files it.

Is booking the protection petition service free?

Booking is free; the team confirms documents and costs on a call.

Will Mara Vakil itself go to court for us?

No. An independent advocate files and argues the petition; the platform arranges the service.

Can a lawyer meet us urgently?

Describe your situation in the form; Delhi advocates can call you quickly.

What if threats come from my partner's family?

The same remedies apply against anyone threatening the couple.

Can a man seek protection from the woman's family?

Yes. Both partners can be petitioners.

Can relatives be punished for confining a woman?

Yes. Wrongful confinement is an offence.

Can I file a complaint online?

Delhi Police accepts some complaints online, but a written complaint to the SHO and DCP is important for protection.

What evidence of threats should I keep?

Messages, call logs, recordings, social media posts and witness names.

Can a protection order be extended?

Orders usually continue until modified; seek further directions if threats persist.

What happens to the family members named?

They are notified and may be restrained; criminal action can follow if they commit offences.

Can mediation help with families?

Sometimes, but couples should never be pressured to separate.

Do we need to appear in court for a protection petition?

The Court may ask you to appear in person or by video to verify your age and wishes.

Can a protection petition be filed online?

Yes. The Delhi High Court accepts electronic filing, and urgent matters can be mentioned.

Who represents the police in a protection petition?

The State's standing counsel.

Should I give the protection order to the police station?

Yes. Take a copy to the local police station and keep the officers' numbers.

Can police hand me over to my parents?

No. Police cannot hand an adult woman to her parents against her will.

Can police detain us for counselling?

No. Adults cannot be detained for counselling.

Can a woman be arrested at night?

Generally not between sunset and sunrise, except in exceptional cases with a Magistrate's permission.

What if police from another state come to take me back?

Insist on legal procedure and involvement of local Delhi police; an adult's statement before a Magistrate is decisive.

Can couples from UP or Haryana seek protection in Delhi?

Yes, if they live in Delhi or face threats here; keep proof of Delhi residence.

What is transit remand?

Permission from a local Magistrate for police of another state to take an arrested person to their state.

Can we marry quickly in Delhi if we just arrived?

The SMA needs 30 days' residence; a religious marriage followed by registration may be quicker.

Can we rent a house without family support?

Yes, with a proper rent agreement and tenant police verification.

Can my employer fire me because my family objects to my marriage?

No. Family objection is not a lawful ground for dismissal.

Is free legal aid available?

Women and other eligible persons can get free legal services from legal services authorities.

What are One Stop Centres?

Sakhi Centres that provide integrated support, including shelter and legal aid, to women facing violence.

What should parents with genuine concerns do?

Raise them lawfully with the police or a court, not through threats or force.

Can a family stop a marriage if the partner is already married?

Bigamy is an offence and a ground of objection under the SMA; raise it lawfully.

Can a family stop a marriage if the daughter is a minor?

Yes, child marriage is prohibited; contact the police or Child Marriage Prohibition Officer.

Do family members face punishment for threats?

Yes. Criminal intimidation and related offences are punishable.

Is reconciliation with family possible later?

Often yes, through counselling and time, but never through pressure on the couple.

What is a beat constable?

The constable responsible for patrolling and responding in a particular local area.

What is Article 226?

The provision allowing High Courts to issue writs, including directions for protection.

Can a protection order be used against neighbours or community members?

Yes, if they threaten the couple; they can be named as respondents.

How long does protection last?

Orders continue until modified; seek further directions if threats continue.

Can I approach the Delhi Commission for Women?

You can seek help from appropriate bodies, but police and courts are the main legal routes.

Do we need a lawyer to approach the police?

No, but a lawyer is useful for petitions and false cases.

What if threats come by phone from abroad?

Report them; cyber and intimidation laws apply, and protection can still be ordered locally.

Can social media threats be reported?

Yes, to the police and the cyber crime portal.

Can a woman stay alone if her partner is away?

Yes; protection orders usually cover both petitioners wherever they live in the police area.

Should we keep the police station number handy?

Yes, along with the beat constable's and the advocate's numbers.

What happens if police ignore a High Court order?

You can inform the Court; non-compliance can lead to contempt and action against officers.

Can we get protection before marrying?

Yes. Couples planning to marry can seek protection.

Does the court ask for proof of threats?

Evidence helps, but courts often grant protection on credible affidavits where adults face opposition.

Can a man and woman of the same caste seek protection?

Yes. Protection depends on threats, not on caste or religion.

Can a widow or divorcee seek protection to remarry?

Yes. Adults remarrying by choice are equally protected.

How do courts decide age disputes?

They give weight to school records and birth certificates; medical tests give only an approximate range.

Is Aadhaar proof of age?

It is generally treated as identity proof, not conclusive proof of age.

What if my family produces a different birth date?

Gather your school and birth certificates; the court will assess the evidence.

Is there a government incentive for inter-caste marriage?

The central Dr. Ambedkar scheme and state schemes offer incentives for eligible inter-caste marriages; check current terms.

Who runs the Ambedkar inter-caste marriage scheme?

The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation under the Ministry of Social Justice.

Does Delhi have its own inter-caste marriage incentive?

Delhi's social welfare department has run such schemes; check current availability and conditions.

How long does it take to get a protection order?

Often within days of filing, after a complaint to the police.

What should a protection petition include?

Age and identity proofs, marriage proof, threat evidence, police complaint copies, respondents' details and affidavits.

Should we file a petition before marrying?

Sometimes, if threats are serious; a lawyer can advise on timing.

Can village panchayat threats be reported in Delhi?

Yes, if you live in Delhi or face threats here; the DCP and High Court can act.

Can a widow be stopped from remarrying?

No. A widow has the same right to remarry by choice.

Can in-laws take a widow's child if she remarries?

Custody is decided by courts on the child's welfare, not by in-laws.

Can a widow be evicted from her matrimonial home?

She may have a right to reside under the DV Act; take advice.

What questions should we ask a lawyer?

About timing, form of marriage, any complaints, what to say to police, and cost.

Can I bring a friend to the police station?

Yes, a trusted friend or lawyer can accompany you.

Should we tell the police where we live?

Yes, the local police need to know to protect you, but keep it private otherwise.

Can the couple be separated during an inquiry?

Not against their will if both are adults.

Can protection be sought for parents of the couple who support them?

Yes, supportive relatives facing threats can also seek protection.

Can protection orders be obtained during court vacations?

Vacation benches hear urgent matters.

Can I withdraw a protection petition later?

Yes, if the situation resolves.

What are the Shakti Vahini preventive measures?

Identifying risk areas, preventing khap gatherings, and police engagement with communities.

What are the Shakti Vahini remedial measures?

Prompt FIRs, safe houses, senior-officer inquiries, protection and expedited trials.

What happens to officers who ignore Shakti Vahini directions?

Failure to comply is treated as misconduct inviting departmental action.

Can khap meetings be prohibited?

Yes. Police can prohibit and prevent gatherings meant to condemn couples.

How long can a couple stay in a safe house?

For a period under the scheme and the Supreme Court's directions; ask the special cell for current rules.

Is there counselling support for couples?

One Stop Centres and counsellors can help, especially women facing violence.

Should we mention Shakti Vahini in our complaint?

Yes. It reminds police of their specific duties.

Can the special cell visit our home?

The cell can assess threats and arrange protection where you stay.

What if the threat is from the woman's former fiance?

The same remedies apply against anyone threatening the couple.

Can a protection order cover our workplace?

Police protection can extend to movements as necessary; tell the court and police where you work.

Can protection be arranged for a wedding ceremony?

Couples can inform police in advance and seek protection for the ceremony if threats exist.

Can a temple or Arya Samaj refuse to marry us due to family objection?

They follow their own procedures; adults' consent is what matters legally.

What if relatives spread defamatory content about us?

Defamation and IT Act remedies may be available; save evidence.

Can we take legal action against relatives later?

Yes, criminal complaints for threats or violence can be pursued.

Is it safe to go back home after marriage?

Only when the threat has genuinely subsided; consult your lawyer and police.

How can families track us through phones?

Through location sharing, shared accounts or installed apps; review settings and change passwords.

Should I factory reset my phone?

Consider it after backing up evidence if you suspect tracking apps.

Can I report online threats?

Yes, on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and to the police.

Can my family keep my passport?

No. Your passport belongs to you; seek police help to retrieve it.

Is jewellery given to me at my marriage mine?

Stridhan and gifts to a woman are her property.

Can police help me get my belongings?

Yes. Ask in writing for police to accompany you.

We live in Gurugram. Which High Court do we approach?

Usually the Punjab and Haryana High Court, unless Delhi has jurisdiction through residence or threats here.

We live in Noida. Which High Court?

Usually the Allahabad High Court, unless Delhi has jurisdiction on the facts.

Can I change my phone number for safety?

Yes, and inform only trusted people, your lawyer and the police.

Should we keep the protection order on our phone?

Yes, keep a digital copy and a printed copy.

What if the beat constable does not respond?

Contact the SHO and DCP, and inform your lawyer; non-compliance can be raised in court.

Can our families be called to the police station for counselling?

Yes, police may counsel families to respect the couple's choice.

Can couples get protection while studying in college?

Yes; adult students have the same rights, and colleges can be informed if needed.

Can a woman's guardian under a court order object?

For adults, no guardian controls marriage; guardianship ends at majority unless a court has ordered otherwise for disability.

Do protection orders apply across Delhi?

They are addressed to the police of the area; inform the new SHO if you move within Delhi.

Can we seek protection for a relative who helped us?

Yes, supportive friends or relatives facing threats can join or file petitions.

Can a family's complaint of missing person be closed?

Once the adult woman informs police she is safe and with her partner by choice, police close it.

What if I am pregnant and threatened?

Seek urgent protection and medical care; courts take such situations seriously.

Can my parents report me missing to stop my marriage?

They can file a report, but once you inform police you are a safe adult acting by choice, it should be closed.

Do we need witnesses for a protection petition?

No witnesses are required; affidavits and documents are usually enough.

Can the court order my family to return my phone?

The court or police can help secure return of your personal belongings in appropriate cases.

Sources checked

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This page gives general information based on the sources listed, as checked on 18 October 2026. In an emergency call 112. Every situation needs individual advice. Mara Vakil is a technology platform, not a law firm, and does not give legal advice. Read our disclaimer.

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