Facing ongoing threats and abuse from anyone is a genuinely distressing experience, and it is completely reasonable to want clear, practical guidance on what legal action is available regardless of who the perpetrator is.

The foundational legal remedy for threats is criminal intimidation under Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), which replaced Sections 503, 506, and 507 of the old Indian Penal Code. Under this provision, whoever threatens another person with injury to their person, reputation, or property, with intent to cause alarm or to compel them to do something they are not legally bound to do, commits criminal intimidation, punishable with imprisonment up to two years, or up to seven years where the threat involves death, grievous hurt, or destruction of property by fire. Because it is classified as a cognizable offence, the police are obligated to register your FIR and investigate.

If the abuse involves actual physical violence, this constitutes voluntarily causing hurt under Section 115 of the BNS, punishable with imprisonment up to one year, or, if more severe, voluntarily causing grievous hurt under Section 117, carrying up to seven years. If the abuse involves verbal harassment causing annoyance in a public place, this may additionally constitute obscene acts and words under Section 296 of the BNS, and if you are a woman and the abuse involves sexual harassment or intrusion on your privacy, this falls within Section 79 of the BNS, carrying imprisonment up to three years.

If the threats and abuse occur digitally, the same underlying BNS offences apply equally, and you additionally have recourse under the Information Technology Act, 2000 if the abuse involves obscene content under Sections 67 or 67A, or a breach of your privacy under Section 72.

The first and most important practical step is to begin documenting everything as thoroughly and as soon as possible. Save every threatening message with visible timestamps, keep a written record noting the date, time, location, and specific nature of any verbal threats or physical abuse, and identify any witnesses. If you have sustained any physical injury, seek medical attention promptly and ensure the treating doctor documents your injuries clearly.

Once you have this documentation, approach the police station having jurisdiction over the location where the threats occurred, or where you reside, and file a written complaint invoking the relevant provisions discussed above. If the police are reluctant to register your FIR, you can escalate this in writing to the Superintendent of Police, or seek a direction from the jurisdictional Magistrate under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).

If you fear for your immediate physical safety, do not hesitate to contact the police emergency helpline, and if the threat is genuinely severe and imminent, the jurisdictional magistrate has the power to pass preventive orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, corresponding to Section 144 of the CrPC.

If the person threatening and abusing you is someone you share a household with, or a family member related by blood, marriage, or adoption, you have significant additional civil protective remedies available under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, if you are a woman, allowing you to seek Protection Orders, Residence Orders, and Monetary Relief through a comparatively swift civil process.

If the threats specifically involve an attempt to extort money or compliance, this additionally constitutes extortion under Section 308 of the BNS, and should be specifically highlighted in your complaint.

Throughout this process, it is worth being mindful of your own safety planning independent of the legal process: informing trusted family members or friends, avoiding being alone with the person threatening you where reasonably possible, and having a plan for how to quickly seek help if the situation escalates.

If you are hesitant to approach the police, it is worth reaching out first to a women's helpline, a local NGO working on issues of safety, or a trusted advocate, all of whom can provide guidance and support.

Given how much your specific situation shapes the most effective legal strategy, it is genuinely valuable to consult an experienced advocate. You can reach out via Aapka Legal Advice for a confidential, compassionate consultation on documenting the threats and abuse, filing the appropriate criminal complaint, and, where relevant, pursuing protective orders.

Given the sensitivity and urgency these situations often involve, many people find real value in obtaining an independent, experienced perspective from the panel of retired judges available through certain legal consultation platforms.

If formal legal representation is required, you can explore Top Criminal Lawyers in India | Aapka Legal Advice to find advocates with relevant experience.

In summary, if someone is threatening and abusing you, you have strong and effective legal remedies available: a criminal complaint for criminal intimidation under Section 351 of the BNS, for physical hurt under Section 115 or 117, and, where applicable, additional protections under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Documenting everything carefully, seeking prompt medical attention, filing your complaint promptly, and seeking urgent protective measures where necessary together give you the strongest possible path to safety.