Can my family force me to marry? What are my rights?

Yes. Forcing an adult to marry against their will is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court in Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M., (2018) 16 SCC 408 (the 'Hadiya case') and Shakti Vahini v. Union of India, (2018) 7 SCC 192 held that the right to marry a person of one's choice is integral to:

(1) Article 21 — right to life and personal liberty, which includes dignity, bodily integrity and autonomy in intimate decisions;
(2) Article 19(1)(a) — freedom of expression, which extends to expression of identity through choice of partner;
(3) Article 14 — equality before the law.

Neither family, caste panchayats nor community elders have any legal authority to force a marriage on a consenting adult.

Several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 apply:

(1) Section 127 — wrongful confinement (locking you up or restraining your movement). Up to 1 year, more for serious confinement;
(2) Section 351 — criminal intimidation by threats of injury, defamation or harm. Up to 7 years where the threat is of death or grievous hurt;
(3) Section 115 — voluntarily causing hurt;
(4) Section 87 — kidnapping, if you are taken away by force or deceit.

Where the victim is below 18, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 additionally punishes parents and witnesses with imprisonment up to 2 years and fine up to ₹1 lakh, and renders the marriage voidable at the option of the minor.

If you are in immediate physical danger:

(1) Call 112 — the all-India emergency helpline. Police are required to provide immediate assistance.
(2) Call 181 — the Women Helpline, run by Ministry of Women and Child Development. They can arrange shelter and counselling.
(3) Visit the nearest One Stop Centre (Sakhi Centre) for emergency shelter, medical aid and legal counselling, all free.
(4) Visit a Mahila Police Station if available in your city.

If the threat is days or weeks away: Discreetly arrange documents (ID, passport), savings, and a safe place to stay. Inform one trusted person of your location. Contact a Protection Officer under the PWDVA, 2005 to start formal proceedings — see our protection order guide.

Two main routes, often used together:

(1) Domestic Violence Act application — under Section 12 PWDVA, 2005, you can obtain a Protection Order restraining family members from contacting you, entering your residence, or interfering with your decisions. The Magistrate can pass an ex-parte interim order within days. See our full DV guide.

(2) Habeas Corpus writ in the High Court — engage a reputable, specialised family or criminal lawyer to file a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution. High Courts grant urgent hearings (often the same day), order police protection, and direct family members not to interfere. This is the standard remedy when a family is actively pursuing or pressurising a consenting adult.

Yes. The Special Marriage Act, 1954 allows two consenting adults of any religion (or no religion) to marry without converting. The procedure:

(1) File a notice of intended marriage with the Marriage Officer in the district where at least one party has resided for 30+ days;
(2) 30-day notice period — the notice is publicly displayed for objections. (Several state High Courts have read this requirement down to protect privacy; check your state's current rules.);
(3) Solemnise in the presence of three witnesses;
(4) Receive marriage certificate — legally valid throughout India.

If your family threatens or attempts to prevent the marriage, file for police protection alongside the notice. The Supreme Court has repeatedly directed police to provide protection to inter-faith couples — see also our guide on criminal action against harassers.