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I am seeking legal help regarding emotional abuse, dowry harassment, and defamation by my husband and in-laws. I suffered mental cruelty during my pregnancy, which led to a miscarriage last year. My husband was silent and unsupportive throughout. My mother-in-law falsely blamed my mother for the miscarriage. They returned dowry items (cot, bed, cupboard) after using them for over a year, likely to avoid legal liability. My husband has since moved to the US without proper discussion or making arrangements for me, effectively abandoning me. He is now non-responsive. Meanwhile, my mother-in-law is spreading false stories in public, damaging my and my family’s reputation. I live in Chennai, while they are based in Madurai. Please guide me on jurisdiction and the next legal steps I should take.
You can file a police complaint under Section 85 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Domestic Violence Act for mental cruelty and dowry harassment. Since your husband has abandoned you, you can also file for maintenance and report defamation. File the complaint in Chennai where you live, this gives you jurisdiction over the case. For further legal assistance contact us on our helpline number.