Karnataka High Court: Section 498A IPC Applies to Live-In Relationships, Void and Voidable Marriages

The Karnatala High Court has ruled that Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (cruelty against married women) applies even in void marriages, provided the parties cohabited as husband and wife.

The court held that it is also applicable to relationship in the nature of marriage such as live-in relationships provided the essential ingredients of the offence are otherwise established.

The court emphasized that the protection against marital cruelty extends to women in technically invalid or voidable marital relationships, recognizing the reality of their domestic circumstances.