SC expands ambit of Sec 498A to cover cruelty in live-ins too
The Indian Supreme Court has ruled that women in live-in relationships that resemble marriage are entitled to protection under anti-cruelty laws (Section 498A). The court acknowledged the need for legal adaptation while also noting concerns regarding the potential misuse of these provisions.
Why it matters
It expands legal protections for women in modern relationship structures while attempting to balance the risk of false litigation.
NEW DELHI: Saying that "live-in relationships" are a reality particularly in urban areas and the law must adapt itself to serve those who choose this form of relationship and protect them from harassing partners, the Supreme Court Monday brought them under the ambit of Section 498A of the IPC or Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) where a husband or in-law shall be punished with imprisonment for a term up to three years for subjecting a woman to cruelty.A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh rejected the plea that 498A is confined only to a husband married to a woman in the traditional sense.
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