Applicability of Section 498A IPC to live-in relationships

Updates

1. News21 Aug 2026

   Cruelty in Live-in Relationships

   The Supreme Court held that the protection against cruelty under Section 498A of the IPC, 1860 is applicable to “live-in relationships”

   Explanation in simple terms

   The courts have recently clarified that women in long-term live-in relationships can now file complaints for cruelty under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code. This law, which was originally designed to protect married women from harassment by their husbands or in-laws, now extends similar legal protections to partners living together. This update ensures that individuals in committed domestic partnerships have a legal path to seek justice if they face abuse or mistreatment within their home.

   scobserver.in
2. Judgment3 Aug 2026

   Supreme Court clarifies scope of Section 498A IPC in Dr. Lokesh BH & Ors v. State of Karnataka & Anr

   The Supreme Court of India ruled that Section 498A IPC applies to live-in relationships that qualify as 'relationships in the nature of marriage', while noting that this does not extend to all forms of cohabitation.

   Explanation in simple terms

   The Supreme Court has ruled that Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with cruelty by a husband or his relatives, does not apply to live-in relationships. The court clarified that this specific law is intended only for legally married couples. Consequently, legal proceedings initiated under this section against partners in a live-in relationship are not valid. This decision provides clarity on the legal boundaries of domestic cruelty laws in India.

   verdictum.in