Orange alert as rain leaves Gurugram waterlogged; disrupts traffic The Sector 52A market was among the most affected areas, with visuals showing commuters wading through knee-deep water Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:14:38 IST By Sampurna Panigrahi, Mihika Shah
‘Buy buy buy!’: Foreign tourist reacts to duty-free shopping after Delhi immigration A foreign tourist has posted a video of his Delhi airport experience, questioning the shopping pitches he encountered just after immigration. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
India security chief visits China for border talks India security chief visits China for border talks Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:06:38 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link India's top security official arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks on the countries' disputed Himalayan border
‘Jo bhi hai, tera ghar hai’: American compares Indian and US hospitality An American Hindi speaker’s take on Indian hospitality has viewers discussing the differences between socialising in India and the US. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:31:09 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share
Manipur: 1 CRPF personnel injured, 2 houses burnt by unknown armed individuals The gunfight broke out after two houses belonging to separate communities were set ablaze by an unidentified group of people Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:49:38 IST By Thomas Ngangom
Man in live-in relationship can be prosecuted for cruelty towards woman
Man in live-in relationship 'in nature of marriage’ can be prosecuted for cruelty towards woman: SC
Man in live-in relationship 'in nature of marriage’ can be prosecuted for cruelty towards woman: SC
The Supreme Court ruled that men in live-in relationships can be prosecuted for cruelty under Section 498A, expanding legal protection to women.
Updated on: Aug 4, 2026, 07:35:25 IST By Utkarsh Anand Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that a man in a live-in relationship that is “in the nature of marriage” can be prosecuted for the offence of cruelty towards a woman, holding that excluding such women from the ambit of the penal law merely because they were not formally married would amount to discriminatory treatment. The ruling marks the first authoritative pronouncement extending the penal provision to qualifying live-in relationships (PTI) In a judgment that significantly expands the reach of India’s law criminalising cruelty by a husband or his relatives towards a woman, a bench of justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh held that although Section 498A in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) uses the expression “husband”, the provision cannot be interpreted so narrowly as to deprive women in marriage-like relationships of criminal remedies against cruelty merely because the relationship was not formally solemnised. “The same evil of domestic cruelty can manifest regardless of whether the woman has a formal marriage certificate or is in a relationship that bears all the essential characteristics of marriage,” reasoned the bench, holding that the law must be interpreted in a manner that advances its social purpose rather than defeats it. Section 498A of the old IPC corresponds to Section 85 and Section 86 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Also Read | Pre-marital relationship no stain on character: SC The ruling marks the first authoritative pronouncement extending the penal provision to qualifying live-in relationships, while making it clear that the protection is not available to every romantic relationship or casual live-in arrangement. The court stressed that only those relationships which satisfy the judicially evolved test of being “in the nature of marriage”, coupled with evidence that both parties intended to marry, would attract Section 498A. The initial burden of establishing such intent would lie on the woman invoking the provision. The judgment came while deciding an appeal arising out of Karnataka, where criminal proceedings alleging cruelty were challenged on the ground that the parties had never formally married. Advocate Nina R Nariman assisted the court as amicus curiae while senior counsel Anand Sanjay M Nuli represented the husband in the matter. The verdict is notable for its extensive discussion on statutory interpretation, with the bench rejecting a rigid literal reading of the penal provision in favour of a purposive construction. Tracing the legislative object behind Section 498A, the court said that Parliament introduced the offence to combat the pervasive social evil of cruelty inflicted upon women within domestic relationships. Restricting the provision solely to legally wedded wives, despite recognising marriage-like relationships in other branches of law, would frustrate that objective and create an artificial distinction between similarly situated women. The bench acknowledged the settled principle that penal statutes are ordinarily construed strictly. However, it held that strict interpretation cannot become an instrument to defeat the very purpose for which a law was enacted. Also Read | Supreme Court says wife found living in adultery can't claim maintenance Drawing upon a line of earlier decisions, the bench said that the law has progressively recognised that certain live-in relationships deserve legal protection because they mirror the rights, obligations and vulnerabilities associated with marriage. The Union government had argued that women in live-in relationships already have adequate protection under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, making it unnecessary to extend Section 498A. The Supreme Court rejected that contention. It held that the two enactments operate in distinct fields and serve different objectives. While the Domestic Violence Act primarily provides civil remedies such as protection orders, residence rights, maintenance and compensation, Section 498A creates criminal liability for acts of cruelty. The availability of civil remedies, the bench said, cannot become a ground to deny criminal protection where the ingredients of an offence are otherwise established. To hold otherwise would leave women in marriage-like relationships remediless against conduct that Parliament intended to criminalise simply because the relationship lacked formal legal recognition. Even while extending the protection, the court repeatedly cautioned that not every live-in relationship would qualify. Reiterating the principles laid down in Indra Sarma judgment (2013), the bench said courts must examine several indicators, including the duration of the relationship, whether the parties shared a household, pooled financial resources, presented themselves socially as spouses, had children, and otherwise conducted themselves as a married couple. The court went a step further by holding that criminal prosecution under Section 498A would additionally require proof of a mutual intention to marry, ensuring that transient or casual relationships do not fall within the penal provision. Also Read | 'Impermissible' to judge women by clothes: SC panel urges overhaul of language adopted in sexual offence cases Mindful of longstanding concerns over misuse of Section 498A, the bench also directed that the safeguards laid down in the Arnesh Kumar judgment (2014) would continue to apply in full force. Police officers, it said, cannot mechanically arrest an accused merely because an FIR has been registered. They must undertake a proper preliminary assessment, satisfy themselves that the statutory requirements are met, and comply with the safeguards governing arrest under the Code of Criminal Procedure before depriving a person of liberty. The court clarified that its ruling is confined to Section 498A and should not automatically be extended to other penal provisions where different statutory language or legislative intent may apply. Supreme Court Couple Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments. Home/India News/Man In Live-in Relationship 'in Nature Of Marriage’ Can Be Prosecuted For Cruelty Towards Woman: SC See LessThe Supreme Court on Monday ruled that a man in a live-in relationship that is “in the nature of marriage” can be prosecuted for the offence of cruelty towards a woman, holding that excluding such women from the ambit of the penal law merely because they were not formally married would amount to discriminatory treatment.
In a judgment that significantly expands the reach of India’s law criminalising cruelty by a husband or his relatives towards a woman, a bench of justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh held that although Section 498A in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) uses the expression “husband”, the provision cannot be interpreted so narrowly as to deprive women in marriage-like relationships of criminal remedies against cruelty merely because the relationship was not formally solemnised.
“The same evil of domestic cruelty can manifest regardless of whether the woman has a formal marriage certificate or is in a relationship that bears all the essential characteristics of marriage,” reasoned the bench, holding that the law must be interpreted in a manner that advances its social purpose rather than defeats it. Section 498A of the old IPC corresponds to Section 85 and Section 86 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Also Read | Pre-marital relationship no stain on character: SC
The ruling marks the first authoritative pronouncement extending the penal provision to qualifying live-in relationships, while making it clear that the protection is not available to every romantic relationship or casual live-in arrangement.
The court stressed that only those relationships which satisfy the judicially evolved test of being “in the nature of marriage”, coupled with evidence that both parties intended to marry, would attract Section 498A. The initial burden of establishing such intent would lie on the woman invoking the provision.
The judgment came while deciding an appeal arising out of Karnataka, where criminal proceedings alleging cruelty were challenged on the ground that the parties had never formally married.
Advocate Nina R Nariman assisted the court as amicus curiae while senior counsel Anand Sanjay M Nuli represented the husband in the matter.
The verdict is notable for its extensive discussion on statutory interpretation, with the bench rejecting a rigid literal reading of the penal provision in favour of a purposive construction.
Tracing the legislative object behind Section 498A, the court said that Parliament introduced the offence to combat the pervasive social evil of cruelty inflicted upon women within domestic relationships. Restricting the provision solely to legally wedded wives, despite recognising marriage-like relationships in other branches of law, would frustrate that objective and create an artificial distinction between similarly situated women.
The bench acknowledged the settled principle that penal statutes are ordinarily construed strictly. However, it held that strict interpretation cannot become an instrument to defeat the very purpose for which a law was enacted.
Also Read | Supreme Court says wife found living in adultery can't claim maintenance
Drawing upon a line of earlier decisions, the bench said that the law has progressively recognised that certain live-in relationships deserve legal protection because they mirror the rights, obligations and vulnerabilities associated with marriage.
The Union government had argued that women in live-in relationships already have adequate protection under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, making it unnecessary to extend Section 498A.
The Supreme Court rejected that contention. It held that the two enactments operate in distinct fields and serve different objectives. While the Domestic Violence Act primarily provides civil remedies such as protection orders, residence rights, maintenance and compensation, Section 498A creates criminal liability for acts of cruelty.
The availability of civil remedies, the bench said, cannot become a ground to deny criminal protection where the ingredients of an offence are otherwise established. To hold otherwise would leave women in marriage-like relationships remediless against conduct that Parliament intended to criminalise simply because the relationship lacked formal legal recognition.
Even while extending the protection, the court repeatedly cautioned that not every live-in relationship would qualify. Reiterating the principles laid down in Indra Sarma judgment (2013), the bench said courts must examine several indicators, including the duration of the relationship, whether the parties shared a household, pooled financial resources, presented themselves socially as spouses, had children, and otherwise conducted themselves as a married couple. The court went a step further by holding that criminal prosecution under Section 498A would additionally require proof of a mutual intention to marry, ensuring that transient or casual relationships do not fall within the penal provision.
Also Read | 'Impermissible' to judge women by clothes: SC panel urges overhaul of language adopted in sexual offence cases
Mindful of longstanding concerns over misuse of Section 498A, the bench also directed that the safeguards laid down in the Arnesh Kumar judgment (2014) would continue to apply in full force. Police officers, it said, cannot mechanically arrest an accused merely because an FIR has been registered. They must undertake a proper preliminary assessment, satisfy themselves that the statutory requirements are met, and comply with the safeguards governing arrest under the Code of Criminal Procedure before depriving a person of liberty.
The court clarified that its ruling is confined to Section 498A and should not automatically be extended to other penal provisions where different statutory language or legislative intent may apply.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Supreme Court,live-in relationship,cruelty,penal law,indian penal code,Section 498A
No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:51:09 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Bengaluru, Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader on Monday assured the public that there was no
7 hours ago
‘You endorse misogyny, cut the crap’: Shehzad Poonawalla joins BJP attack on Rahul Gandhi's ‘smash patriarchy’ call Shehzad Poonawalla and BJP were responding to Rahul Gandhi's call to "smash the patriarchy" during his party's 'Chhatro ki Goonj' programme in Pune. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
10 hours ago
For Delhi-NCR residents, Guleria struck a reassuring note while explaining why this year’s wave has felt worse, but citizens need not panic The H1N1 virus driving Delhi-NCR’s current flu surge appears to be changing its structure — a process that is making it spread faster and slip past the
10 hours ago
A job applicant’s unusual rejection from a software engineering internship has left the internet divided after the candidate was reportedly turned down over the name of their resume file. The incident was highlighted in a now-viral post on X by user @adnaannasir_
10 hours ago
Elderly woman killed, husband injured in SUV hit-and-run at Delhi's posh GK-1 The woman, identified as Shashi, was declared brought dead at the hospital, while her husband Kulbhushan (65), was left injured. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 11:00:26 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
10 hours ago
Woman reflects on high-rise living in big cities: ‘Even the slice of the sky is fixed for us’ A woman shared her thoughts on high-rise life, saying big-city living can feel confined despite better work opportunities. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
10 hours ago
Governor Abdullah Sarhadi gives money to treat a boy's broken arm and hands out funds for a local mosque - then, in his office in northern Afghanistan, an astonishing exchange unfolds. A young woman tells the grey-bearded former Taliban commander that she wants to divorce her husband
10 hours ago
Andy Burnham is marking his first foreign visit as prime minister with a trip to Kyiv - and will hand over blueprints so Ukraine can build its own long-range missiles. The prime minister will chair his first meeting of the "coalition of the willing"
10 hours ago
Apple’s next iPhone launch is getting closer, and the company’s usual September schedule is beginning to take shape. According to a recent Forbes report, Apple could hold its special event on Wednesday, September 9, where it is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
10 hours ago
Fugitive gangster Goldy Brar has, in an audio clip, purportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, The Indian Express reported. The newspaper said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip
10 hours ago
Dad crashes daughter’s late-night work meeting over parcels: ‘Ek paise ki saving nahi karti’ A father’s surprise appearance during his daughter’s work call turns into a lecture on spending and saving. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 10:56:44 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via
10 hours ago
A Zimbabwean content creator’s tongue-in-cheek take on life in India has caught the attention of social media users after he shared 10 everyday conveniences that have completely changed his standard of living. From paying for almost everything with just a phone to having food
10 hours ago
Starting September 1, passengers traveling internationally will be required to use an e-boarding pass on their smartphones for immigration clearance, as announced by immigration authorities. This significant change comes as the Bureau of Immigration (BOI)
14 hours ago
The September 2026 US Visa Bulletin brings a mixed picture for Indian green card applicants. While some family-sponsored categories have moved forward, several employment-based categories remain severely constrained, with two India-specific categories listed as unavailable and the State Department
14 hours ago
The Maharashtra Transport Department has issued notices to 777 drivers for lacking practical knowledge of Marathi, The Hindu quoted unidentified officials as saying on Saturday. A total of 5,211 drivers were tested during a statewide inspection campaign that began on August 20, including 3
14 hours ago
19-year-old killed, friend injured after truck hits motorcycle on Delhi's Indraprastha flyover A police team reached the spot and found a motorcycle lying in a damaged condition and two people seriously injured. One of them died in the hospital. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
14 hours ago
Indian woman reveals why her family returned to India after 13 years in US: ‘You don’t really belong here’ A woman shared five reasons her family decided to leave the US and return to India after 13 years. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:43:56 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google
14 hours ago
New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:28 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Kyiv on Monday on his first international
14 hours ago
Bengaluru vs Gurgaon? Man who lived in both cities explains why the comparison is ‘completely pointless’ A man said the Bengaluru versus Gurgaon debate was pointless and urged people to live in both cities before deciding. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
14 hours ago
Circle Wealth CIO and Managing Partner Chadha said the market was rewarding companies with strong earnings and improving outlooks, even as large-cap stocks remained under pressure. Diwali season is expected to bring a fresh boost for Indian equities following strong corporate earnings
14 hours ago
The restriction was imposed under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which governs the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics. The central government on Saturday restricted the manufacturing, sale and distribution of all fixed-dose combinations (FDCs)
14 hours ago
Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:29 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ukraine on Monday hosts a meeting of its key European backers to press for critical
14 hours ago
'Trouble proving citizenship after representing India in 3 countries': Ex-envoy to ECI over Punjab SIR Suri served as India’s ambassador to the UAE and Egypt and high commissioner to Australia. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:34:33 IST By HT Correspondent Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
14 hours ago
2 killed after illegal building in Hyderabad's Gachibowli caves in Officials alleged that the building was built over or adjacent to a drain without the required permissions. Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:41:02 IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link At least two
1 days ago
J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:43:04 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ramgarh
1 days ago
Jaiñtia Hills to the G7: Can Meghalaya turn ‘Lakadong’ into a global brand? The high-curcumin turmeric has gone from an obscure hill crop to a GI-tagged premium product showcased before world leaders. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:48:20 IST By David Laitphlang
1 days ago
Ex-NRI shares why she takes auto for 1 km ride to gym after moving to India: 'Life here is a compromise' The woman shared that she has to walk through an area where "everybody stares", while the pathway is "ubad-khabad", dirty and encroached. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
