IPC Section 498A: Husband or relative of husband of a women subjecting her to cruelty
Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 20A: Cruelty by Husband or Relatives of Husband
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
¶1[Whoever, being the husband or the relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.
¶Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “cruelty” means—
¶(a) anywilful conduct which is of such a nature as is likely to drive the woman to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb or health (whether mental or physical) of the woman; or
¶(b) harassment of the woman where such harassment is with a view to coercing her or any person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for any property or valuable security or is on account of failure by her or any person related to her to meet such demand.]
¶_________________________
¶1. Ins. by Act 46 of 1983, s. 2.
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNS 85 and BNS 86 (split across sections). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p6
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
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