What is restitution of Conjugal Rights. Please tell in detail?

What your husband has filed is called Restitution of Conjugal Rights. In simple terms, it means he is asking the court to direct you to come back and live with him as a wife. But remember, this is not the same as reconciliation or counselling. The law gives you the right to put forward your side—why you left, what happened, and why you feel unsafe or unready to return. A single act of violence, like slapping in public, is enough to show cruelty and loss of trust, which makes your decision to live separately reasonable. Courts usually try to see if the marriage can be saved, but they cannot force you emotionally or physically to live with someone against your will. Sometimes, these petitions are also used as a tactic before or alongside divorce cases, so it is important you respond properly with your reasons and protect your rights.

Restitution of Conjugal Rights (RCR) is a petition under Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act (or similar laws) where one spouse claims the other has left without valid reason and asks the court to order them to return. By filing this, your husband is telling the court that you left him without cause, but you can defend yourself by showing you had a reasonable excuse—like cruelty, assault, or safety concerns. In your case, since he slapped you, that itself amounts to cruelty and is a valid ground for staying away. Even if the court grants him RCR, you cannot be physically forced to live with him and more.