Supreme Court extends Section 498A protection to live-in partners
India's Supreme Court ruled that the anti-cruelty provisions of Section 498A apply to individuals in live-in relationships, not just married spouses.
The apex court held that legal safeguards against cruelty must reflect evolving social norms and cover partners who cohabit without formal marriage. It emphasized that the statute's intent is to shield women from severe mental or physical harm, coercive demands for property, or dowry-related pressure, regardless of marital status. The judgment also recognized that live-in partnerships can involve diverse gender configurations.
Why it matters
The ruling gives women in cohabiting relationships legal tools to combat abuse and property pressure.
In this story
section 498Alive-in relationshipsSupreme Courtcruelty lawIndian Penal Codelegal protectiondowryharassment