family
Pre-Marriage Fraud / Matrimonial Cheating
You were deceived before or during marriage — the spouse or their family lied about job, income, marital status, health condition, or other material facts.
- 01Gather evidence of the fraud — false documents, fake job letters, hidden marital status
- 02Consult a family lawyer experienced in matrimonial disputes
- 03File an FIR for cheating (BNS 318) at the police station
- 04File for annulment of marriage in Family Court under Section 12
- 05If dowry was given based on false promises, file under Dowry Prohibition Act
- 06Report on matrimonial website if the match was through an online platform
- 07Do not destroy any evidence or communication
- Matrimonial profile and chat records from the matchmaking platform
- False documents provided by the spouse (fake job letter, income proof)
- Wedding photographs and video showing dowry exchange
- Communication records (messages, calls) showing misrepresentations
- Witness statements from family and friends
- Documents proving the truth (e.g., previous marriage certificate of spouse)
- Bank records showing money or gifts given
- FIR copy for cheating
- Annulment petition to Family Court
- Marriage certificate
- Evidence of fraud (fake documents, communications)
- Dowry list (if dowry was involved)
- ID proof
- Police Station — FIR for cheating (BNS 318)
- Family Court — Annulment petition under HMA Section 12
- Matrimonial website — Report the fraudulent profile
- Cyber Crime Portal — If online matrimonial fraud
- National Commission for Women — ncw.nic.in
- Consumer Court — Against the matrimonial platform for negligence
- Hindu Marriage Act — Section 12 (Voidable marriage due to fraud)
- Hindu Marriage Act — Section 25 (Permanent alimony on annulment)
- BNS Section 318 — Cheating
- BNS Section 319 — Cheating by personation
- Indian Contract Act — Section 17 (Fraud in consent)
Matrimonial fraud occurs when one party conceals or misrepresents material facts before marriage — such as prior marriage, impotency, mental illness, criminal record, job status, or income. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, marriage obtained by fraud is voidable and can be annulled. Additionally, criminal charges for cheating under BNS Section 318 can be filed. If dowry was obtained through fraud, Dowry Prohibition Act charges also apply.
When to see a lawyer
Consult a lawyer immediately. Annulment must be filed within 1 year of discovering the fraud. A lawyer can help file criminal and civil cases simultaneously and protect your financial interests.