u/Eccentric_Explorer_

Hi, I’m seeking legal guidance regarding my sister’s situation.

She (25F) got married in September 2024. Since then, she has been facing ongoing issues from her husband (32M, previously divorced) and her mother-in-law.

Some of the concerns are:

• She is working long hours (8–10 hours daily in a hospital) but is still expected to handle all household chores.
• There are repeated instances where food is not kept aside for her after work, and she has to manage on her own despite contributing to the household.
• She is subjected to frequent verbal insults and humiliation regarding her body and eating habits. My sister is 5’2 and 70kg. Her mother-in-law called her a "machine" in front of the whole family, mocking her saying she can eat and digest anything.
• There is pressure on her to conceive, even though her medical tests are normal, while her husband refuses medical evaluation.
• During arguments, her husband threatens to remove her mangalsutra and tells her she is not meant to live with him.
• There are restrictions on small personal choices (like ordering basic items), which is affecting her mental well-being. She isn't even allowed to order coconut water on Zepto/Blinkit.

There has been no physical violence so far, but the mental stress and neglect are constant and affecting her health.

We come from a modest background and are unsure how to proceed legally.

My questions:

1. Do these actions fall under mental cruelty or domestic violence under Indian law?
2. What legal options are available (civil vs criminal) in such a situation?
3. Can she seek protection or relief without immediately filing for divorce?
4. What kind of evidence should she start collecting?
5. Are there free or low-cost legal resources available for her?

Any guidance on next steps would be really helpful. Thank you.

My sister got married in Sept 2024. The guy was a divorcee, he is 32 and my sister is 25. They are Brahmin and we are Shetty—both are vegetarian, but their culture is very orthodox. They don't eat many things like green leaves, sprouted pulses, or fruits. ​We are not financially well-off.

We are single-parented kids; my mom took care of us alone. Since the guy's family was well-to-do, we initially thought they were good people, but my brother-in-law is behaving like a monster.

Here is what she is going through:

Food Shaming: My sister is 5’2 and 70kg. Her mother-in-law called her a "machine" in front of the whole family, mocking her saying she can eat and digest anything.

Starvation & Chores: She works 8-10 hours in a hospital. She does all the chores and helps with cooking, but every morning after she leaves, the mom and son cook and eat together without leaving anything for her.

Cruelty during periods: Yesterday, she got her period and was exhausted. The MIL asked what she wanted for dinner, but the husband interrupted saying they would just eat leftovers. When my sister said she didn’t want leftovers, they went ahead and made Ragi Mudde for themselves and didn't even call her to eat.

Pregnancy Pressure: It’s been nearly two years and they are forcing her to get pregnant. Her tests are normal, but he refuses to see a doctor. They blame her and treat her like an outcast every time she gets her period.

The Abuse: For even small arguments, he tries to snatch her thali (mangalsutra), telling her she isn't there to live a life with him. There is no physical hitting yet, but the mental torture is constant. She isn't even allowed to order coconut water on Zepto/Blinkit.

Why I am so desperate:

Throughout our childhood, our father was an alcoholic and addicted to cards. We didn't have a good life; we were physically and mentally abused by him. Now, I just want my sister to be happy, but after hearing these stories, I don't know what to do.

​I am not financially well yet. I am a BE graduate working in a BPO and preparing for my GATE exam. My mom tried to speak up once, but the MIL blamed her, saying she would "ruin the house," so my sister has stopped sharing anything. Her health is failing due to nutrient deficiency and the stress is increasing every day.

##​ I want them to be happy. How can I help her when I feel so helpless myself?