My husband has been physically and emotionally abusing me, even after my father gave him a dowry of 12 lakhs as they demanded. He continues to harass me, but I have no proof of the dowry given. He also uses a recording of our conversation, where I was angry and he was quiet, to say I have no evidence against him. What can I do?

You can file a complaint of domestic violence under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, which doesn’t require proof of dowry. You can also approach the police and seek protection under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code for cruelty by husband and his relatives. The recording of your conversation is irrelevant as it doesn’t constitute evidence of dowry demand or abuse.