Broken Engagement: Women’s Legal Rights
Engagements in India are socially binding, but legally, breaking them is not always a crime. However, if it involves false promises, cheating, harassment, or financial loss, the woman has legal remedies.
When Can Legal Action Be Taken?
- Cheating / False Promise of Marriage (BNS Section 69) – If engagement was only a trick to exploit emotionally or physically.
- Civil Suit for Compensation – If family suffered financial losses in wedding arrangements.
- Return of Gifts / Stridhan – Jewellery, money, or valuables must be returned.
- Mental Harassment / Emotional Cruelty – If done to humiliate, insult, or cause mental trauma.
- Defamation Cases – If false statements are spread after the engagement ends.
Legal Remedies Available
| Situation | Legal Remedy | Where to File |
|---|---|---|
| Boy breaks engagement after taking dowry/gifts | Recovery of gifts, dowry complaint | Police / Court |
| False promise of marriage (emotional/physical exploitation) | Cheating case under BNS | Police FIR |
| Engagement called off causing huge expenses | Civil suit for compensation | Civil Court |
| Boy's family harasses girl's family | Complaint for harassment/intimidation | Police / Online FIR |
| Defamation after broken engagement | Civil/Criminal defamation case | Court |
| Settlement preferred | Send legal notice, mediation | Through Lawyer |
Documents/Proof Needed
- Engagement photos/videos
- Gift receipts, bills, or jewellery valuation
- Messages, calls, or chats showing the promise
- Witness statements (family, friends present at engagement)
Where to Go First?
- Consult a Lawyer – for best legal option (civil or criminal).
- Send a Legal Notice – demand return of gifts/money or apology.
- Police Station / Online FIR – if harassment, cheating, or dowry involved.
- Civil Court – for compensation claims.
- Family Mediation – if both families want to resolve without court.
State-Wise Access to File Online FIR (Harassment/Cheating)
| State/UT | Online FIR/Complaint Website |
|---|---|
| Delhi | https://delhipolice.gov.in/ |
| Maharashtra | https://citizen.mahapolice.gov.in/Citizen/MH/index.aspx |
| Uttar Pradesh | https://www.uppolice.gov.in/#Home |
| Tamil Nadu | https://eservices.tnpolice.gov.in/CCTNSNICSDC/Index?0 |
| Karnataka | https://sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in/ |
| West Bengal | https://policesohaiyota.wbpolice.gov.in/CitizenTips/EmrgComplaint.aspx |
| Telangana | https://www.tspolice.gov.in/jsp/homePage?method=getHomePageElements |
| All India | https://cybercrime.gov.in (for online cheating and online harassment cases) |
FAQs on Broken Engagement Legal Rights
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1. Is breaking an engagement always illegal?
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No, but if it involves fraud, harassment, or cheating, legal action is possible.
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2. Can a girl file a cheating case if the boy backs out?
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Yes, under Section 69 BNS if he promised marriage and exploited her.
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3. Can money spent on wedding arrangements be recovered?
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Yes, through a civil compensation case.
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4. Do gifts have to be returned if engagement breaks?
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Yes, jewellery, money, or valuables given must be returned.
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5. What if the boy got physical on false marriage promise?
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It amounts to cheating/exploitation and is legally punishable.
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6. Can the girl's family file a case too?
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Yes, especially for dowry, money recovery, or defamation.
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7. What if the boy's family spreads rumours after breaking engagement?
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A defamation case can be filed.
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8. What evidence is required?
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Messages, receipts, photos, witnesses, engagement proofs.
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9. Can the girl stop the boy from marrying another woman?
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Not directly, but if fraud is proved, the case may delay his marriage.
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10. What if the boy is abroad?
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The case can still be filed in India if the promise/engagement happened here.
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11. Is police complaint or court case better?
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Police for cheating/harassment; court for compensation.
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12. Can the matter be settled without court?
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Yes, via lawyer's notice or mediation.
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13. What if emotional abuse is caused but no money loss?
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Still, a complaint for harassment or cheating can be filed.
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14. Can I file complaint online?
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Yes, most states allow online FIRs.
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15. Will this harm my future marriage prospects?
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No, exercising your legal rights will not legally affect future marriage.
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