Bailabel Type : non-bailable

Description

Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) specifically addresses the offense of cruelty towards a woman by her husband or his relatives. The law aims to protect women from mental or physical abuse in marital relationships.

Offense Definition (Section 498A IPC):

• Cruelty refers to acts of abuse that cause either physical harm or mental suffering to the woman. It includes behavior that puts her life, health, or safety in danger, or causes her severe mental or emotional harm.

• The cruelty can involve:

  • Physical abuse (hitting, beating, or inflicting injury).
  • Mental abuse (harassment, insults, or coercion).
  • Demand for dowry (harassment related to dowry or financial demands).

The offense applies not only to the husband but also to the husband's relatives, such as in-laws, who may participate in or encourage cruelty against the woman.

Punishment

Imprisonment: The punishment for subjecting a woman to cruelty under Section 498A IPC includes:

• Imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years.

Fine: The offender may also be liable to pay a fine, or both imprisonment and fine.