Indian Penal Code (IPC) provides a penal code for all of India excluding Jammu and Kashmir. The code applies to any offence committed by an Indian Citizen anywhere and on any Indian registered ship or aircraft (This law does not however apply to the armed forces or supersede any other acts).

Indian Penal Code came into force in 1862 (British Raj) and was amended in 1993. It is based on British criminal law.

Particular Sections in Relevance

498A Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty

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

1. Any wilful 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
2. 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.

Section Explained

• India Code site IPC Section 498A
• Helplinelaw.com Of Offences relating to Marriage
• indianwomenonline.com Cruelty

Related Topics

• Misuse/Abuse of IPC Section 498A