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Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).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.]

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1. Ins. by Act 46 of 1983, s. 2.

Bare act text for reference, current to 30 June 2024. It is not legal advice; check the official gazette for authoritative text.