If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

A young student, let’s call him Rohan, finds himself in a deeply distressing situation. His father is adamant that he must enroll in a specific online degree in Advanced Materials Science from a prestigious national institute. Rohan, however, has no interest in this field and has secured admission to a well-regarded private engineering college in Jabalpur for a course he is passionate about. For months, all his attempts to reason with his father have been futile. The situation has escalated to the point where his father has threatened to stop his education entirely if he does not comply with his wishes.

Rohan feels completely isolated, as neither his mother nor any of his relatives are willing to support him, either emotionally or financially. The immense pressure and the feeling of his future being decided against his will have led him to a state of extreme mental anguish and hopelessness. He feels trapped as time is running out and his educational options are dwindling.

Advice in such cases

• Communicate Calmly but Firmly: Try to have one more structured conversation. Prepare your points, explain your career aspirations, the scope of the field you have chosen, and why the other option is not suitable for you. Present it as a well-researched decision, not just a whim.
• Seek Mediation: Involve a neutral third party whom your parents respect. This could be a professor, a family friend, or a professional counsellor. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help de-escalate the situation.
• Explore Financial Options: Research student loans and scholarships independently. Having a potential financial plan can demonstrate your commitment and maturity, and might give you some leverage in negotiations.
• Prioritize Mental Health: The stress you are under is immense. Seek help from a mental health professional or a university counsellor. They can provide you with coping mechanisms and support during this difficult time.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

Applicable Sections of Law

In India, once an individual turns 18, they are considered an adult with the legal right to make their own life decisions. While there are no specific laws that penalize parents for forcing a career choice, the situation can be viewed through the lens of fundamental rights and personal liberty.

• Article 21 of the Constitution of India: This article guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted this right expansively to include the right to live with dignity, which encompasses the freedom to choose one’s own education and profession. Forcing an adult child into a specific educational path against their will is a direct infringement of this fundamental right.
• The Majority Act, 1875: This Act establishes the age of majority in India as 18 years. As an adult, you are entitled to make your own decisions, enter into contracts (including for education), and cannot be legally compelled by your parents in your choices.
• Provisions relating to Mental Harassment: While typically invoked in matrimonial disputes, the principle of mental cruelty or harassment can be relevant. Persistent pressure, threats, and emotional coercion that cause severe mental distress can be grounds for seeking legal protection. If the situation involves threats of harm or wrongful confinement, relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) could potentially be invoked, although this is rare in such domestic contexts.

If you are the complainant

If you are the student facing this pressure, here are the steps you can consider:

• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of all instances of coercion. Save text messages, emails, or even make notes of conversations with dates and times. This documentation will be crucial if legal intervention becomes necessary.
• Formal Communication: Send a respectful but firm letter or email to your parents. Clearly state your choice of career, the reasons behind it, and your request for their support. This creates a formal record of your position.
• Seek a Protection Order: As a last resort, you can approach a civil court to seek an injunction or a protection order against the infringement of your personal liberty, preventing your parents from coercing you.

If you are the victim

As the person being subjected to this coercion, your well-being is the priority.

• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.
• Build a Support System: Even if your family is not supportive, reach out to trusted friends, mentors, or college counsellors. Having a network to lean on is vital for your emotional and mental strength.
• Understand Your Legal Rights: Arm yourself with knowledge. Knowing that the law is on your side as an adult can empower you to stand your ground respectfully.
• Prioritize Your Safety and Future: Your education and career are foundational to your future. While family harmony is important, it should not come at the cost of your happiness and life goals. Make the decision that is right for you in the long run.

How the police behave in such cases

Approaching the police in such matters can be challenging. Law enforcement officers generally perceive these issues as “family matters” or domestic disputes. They are often reluctant to file a First Information Report (FIR) unless there is a clear cognizable offense, such as physical assault, illegal confinement, or credible threats of violence. Their first response is usually to attempt to counsel both parties and mediate a resolution. They may advise you to seek a remedy through the civil courts rather than through criminal proceedings.

FAQs people normally have

Can my parents legally force me to study something I don’t want to after I turn 18?
No. As a legal adult, you have the constitutional right to make your own life choices, including your education and career. Your parents cannot legally compel you.

What if my parents threaten to stop funding my education?
This is a complex issue. While parents have a moral and, to some extent, a legal obligation to maintain their children, the scope for higher education for an adult child can be a grey area. A court may not force a parent to fund an extremely expensive course. However, the threat of withdrawing financial support cannot be used as a tool for coercion to violate your fundamental right to choose your profession. This can be challenged in court.

Can I take legal action against my parents for mental harassment?
You can approach a civil court seeking protection from acts that cause you mental distress and infringe upon your personal liberty. The legal action would focus on protecting your rights and preventing coercion, rather than “suing for harassment” in a punitive sense.

What evidence is required?

• Written Communication: Any emails, text messages, or letters that demonstrate the pressure and threats from your parents.
• Audio/Video Recordings: Recordings of conversations where coercion is taking place can be powerful evidence, though their admissibility is subject to legal rules.
• Witness Testimony: Statements from any person (friends, counsellors, other relatives) who has witnessed the coercion.
• Your Own Testimony: A detailed and consistent account of the events and the mental distress caused.
• Proof of Your Choice: Documents showing your admission to the college of your choice, your academic record, and research into your chosen career path can establish that your decision is serious and well-considered.

How long will the investigation take?

This situation is primarily a civil matter, not a police investigation. The timeline varies:

• Mediation/Counselling: Can lead to a resolution within a few sessions over days or weeks.
• Court Action: Filing a suit and getting an initial hearing for an interim protection order might take a few weeks. However, a full and final resolution through the court system can be a lengthy process, potentially taking several months or longer. The goal of legal action is often to get an immediate order to allow you to pursue your studies while the case proceeds.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India