Section 498-A IPC Now Covers Live-In Relationships "In the Nature of Marriage": Supreme Court's Landmark Clarification

In a significant ruling on cruelty law, the Supreme Court has held that Section 498-A IPC — which criminalises cruelty by a "husband or his relatives" — extends to live-in relationships that qualify as being "in the nature of marriage," provided there is a demonstrable intent to marry between consenting adults. The Court distinguished such relationships from ordinary cohabitation, which remains governed by civil remedies under the Domestic Violence Act.