If you're experiencing mental abuse from an ex-boyfriend, it's worth knowing upfront that Indian law does recognise this as a genuine harm, even though the specific remedies depend somewhat on how the abuse manifests, since "mental abuse" isn't a standalone criminal offence by that name, but the specific conduct involved usually falls under one or more existing provisions.

If the mental abuse takes the form of repeated contact despite your clear disinterest, following you, monitoring your online activity, or persistent unwanted communication, this falls squarely within stalking under Section 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Section 354D IPC), discussed in an earlier response, punishable with up to three years for a first offence and up to five years for a repeat offence. If the abuse involves threats, whether to your safety, reputation, or through threats to share private content, this constitutes criminal intimidation under Section 351 BNS (Section 506 IPC). If he's making sexually coloured remarks, sending unwanted sexual content, or otherwise harassing you with sexual overtones, Section 75 BNS (Section 354A IPC, sexual harassment) applies. If the emotional abuse includes threats to share intimate images or actual non-consensual sharing, Section 77 BNS (voyeurism) and provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (particularly Section 66E, violation of privacy, and Section 67, publishing obscene material electronically) become relevant, and this is an area where courts and police act with particular seriousness given the severe and often irreversible harm involved.

If you were in a live-in relationship with him, or the relationship had a marriage-like character, it's worth knowing that the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 extends specifically to relationships "in the nature of marriage," not just formal marriages, meaning if your relationship qualifies under this broader definition, the full range of PWDVA remedies discussed in the previous response, including protection orders and compensation for mental torture under Section 22, become available to you even without having been married.

Practically, your first step should be documenting everything: screenshots of messages, call logs, any witnesses who've observed the pattern of behaviour, and a written timeline of specific incidents, since mental abuse, being less visibly evidenced than physical harm, depends heavily on this kind of documentation to be taken seriously and acted upon by police or courts. You can then approach the police to register an FIR under whichever of the above provisions fits your specific facts, or pursue a private complaint before a Magistrate if police response is inadequate, following the process discussed extensively throughout our conversation.

Conclusion: Mental abuse by an ex-boyfriend typically maps onto specific existing offences depending on its exact form — stalking, criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, or PWDVA remedies if the relationship qualifies as marriage-like — so documenting the pattern thoroughly and identifying which specific provision fits your situation with a lawyer's help is the essential first step toward taking effective action. You can reach out to the team at Aapka Legal Advice to have your specific situation assessed and matched to the right legal remedy, and if you need representation to file a complaint or seek protection, this list of Top Criminal Lawyers in India | Aapka Legal Advice can help you find suitable counsel.