SC expands ambit of Sec 498A to cover cruelty in live-ins too
The Supreme Court extended Section 498A of the IPC (and Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) to cover cruelty in live-in relationships that are in the nature of marriage.
The bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh ruled that cruelty does not distinguish between married and unmarried women, and the law must adapt to societal changes.
The court clarified that only live-in relationships in the nature of marriage will fall under the ambit, and the initial burden of proof is on the female live-in partner seeking protection.
The court acknowledged the misuse of Section 498A and noted that the verdict applies only to relationships in the nature of marriage.
The decision aims to protect women from cruelty and harassment in live-in relationships, making it punishable with imprisonment up to three years.
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