One of my clients recently had a case which I am explaining below and if you are stuck in such similar situation, here is what to do.

Note: Due to attorney-client privilege, I cannot disclose complete case details or identify the actual parties involved. However, I am sharing the essential facts and legal approach so that if you find yourself in a similar situation, you can understand the available solutions and legal remedies.

Mr. X, aged 29, approached me regarding his relationship with Ms. Y, aged 27. They had known each other for over a year and had become close by November. During their relationship, Ms. Y admitted to being unfaithful with another person. When Mr. X decided to end the relationship due to this betrayal, Ms. Y began threatening to harm herself if he left her. She used these threats repeatedly to emotionally manipulate and coerce him into continuing the relationship. Mr. X found himself trapped, fearing that ending things might lead to Ms. Y harming herself, while also being unable to move forward in a relationship built on infidelity and manipulation. This created severe mental distress and anxiety for my client, who needed legal guidance on how to handle such threats safely and lawfully.

Advice in Such Cases

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 to 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 all threats and communications. Save screenshots, recordings, and messages where the person threatens self-harm. Inform family members or close friends of the threatening person about the situation so they can provide support. Consider involving mental health professionals who can assess the person making threats.

Applicable Sections of Law

Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 351 deals with criminal intimidation when someone threatens to cause harm to themselves or others to coerce another person. Section 352 covers punishment for criminal intimidation. Section 74 addresses wrongful restraint when someone prevents another from acting freely through threats. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) provides procedures for filing complaints and obtaining protection orders in such cases.

If You Are the Complainant

• File a police complaint under relevant sections of BNS for criminal intimidation and emotional coercion
• Gather and preserve all evidence including screenshots, call recordings, and witness statements
• Approach the court for a restraining order to prevent further harassment or threats
• Inform the threatening person’s family members so they can provide necessary mental health support
• Seek counseling for yourself to deal with the psychological impact of such manipulation

If You Are the Victim

• Recognize that using threats of self-harm to control others is manipulation and legally problematic
• Seek immediate professional mental health counseling to address underlying emotional issues
• Stop making threats and communicate your feelings through healthy channels
• Respect the other person’s decision to end the relationship without coercion
• Focus on building self-worth and emotional stability independent of romantic relationships

How the Police Behave in Such Cases

Police typically take such complaints seriously due to the potential for actual self-harm or suicide. They may conduct preliminary inquiries and often recommend involving mental health professionals. Officers usually advise both parties to maintain distance and may issue warnings. In severe cases, they might recommend psychiatric evaluation or temporary protective custody if there’s immediate danger of self-harm.

FAQs People Normally Have

Can threatening self-harm be considered a crime? Yes, when used to coerce or intimidate another person, it can constitute criminal intimidation under BNS.

What if the person actually attempts self-harm? This doesn’t make the victim responsible, but immediate medical and psychiatric intervention becomes necessary.

How to protect oneself legally? Document all threats, inform family members, file police complaints, and seek legal protection orders.

Can such threats be used in court? Yes, documented threats can be presented as evidence of harassment and criminal intimidation.

What Evidence Is Required?

• Screenshots of text messages containing threats of self-harm
• Audio or video recordings of verbal threats
• Witness statements from friends or family who heard the threats
• Medical records if the person has made previous attempts
• Call logs showing frequency of contact and harassment
• Social media posts or messages indicating manipulative behavior
• Documentation of the relationship timeline and infidelity admission

How Long Will the Investigation Take?

Investigation in such cases typically takes 2-4 months depending on evidence availability and cooperation from both parties. Police may expedite if there’s immediate danger. Court proceedings for restraining orders can be obtained within 2-3 weeks. Mental health evaluations, if ordered, may add another 1-2 months to the overall process.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India