Supreme Court: Extends Section 498A Protection to Live-in Relationships in India

• The Supreme Court has extended protection under Section 498A to eligible live-in relationships.
• Women in such relationships can now seek protection against cruelty under this provision.
• The court held that Section 498A covers live-in relationships 'in the nature of marriage', ruling that denying such women protection violates Article 14 of the Constitution.
• The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant shift in interpretation of Section 498A, emphasizing the need for a purposive interpretation.

The court held that Section 498A covers live-in relationships 'in the nature of marriage', ruling that denying such women protection violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has extended protection under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to eligible live-in relationships. This means that women in such relationships can now seek protection against cruelty under this provision. The court held that Section 498A covers live-in relationships 'in the nature of marriage', ruling that denying such women protection violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant shift in interpretation of Section 498A. The court held that the provision must be given a purposive interpretation, keeping in view its reformative objective. This means that the word 'husband' in Section 498A must be interpreted to include men in live-in relationships where the relationship qualifies as 'in the nature of marriage'.

The Supreme Court's judgment reflects the evolving societal standards and changing nature of relationships. The court observed that live-in relationships are now a reality, particularly in urban areas, and the law must adapt itself to serve those who choose this form of relationship. By extending protection under Section 498A, the court has acknowledged the need for the law to respond to changes in society.

Lawyers should note that the Supreme Court has extended Section 498A protection to live-in relationships in India, which means women in such relationships can now seek protection against cruelty under this provision. Practitioners should be aware of the new interpretation and its implications for clients in live-in relationships.

Source: Original reporting via Supreme Court Judgments