Section 498A · 22 July 2026
Alleged Second Wife Is Not a "Relative" Under Section 498A IPC
High Court of Andhra Pradesh · 2026 LiveLaw (AP) 145
Download the full judgment (PDF)
Enter your name and WhatsApp number to get the download link. We'll also let you know on WhatsApp if we can help with this case — filing, tracking, or anything else — no obligation either way.
We use this only to send the link and to follow up about this case. See our privacy policy.
The first wife registered a criminal complaint under Section 498A IPC against her husband and named a woman accused of being his second wife, alleging cruelty and dowry harassment.
The High Court held that a woman accused of being a second wife does not fall within the statutory definition of a "relative" of the husband under Section 498A IPC, making criminal prosecution under that section unsustainable against her.
Relevant provisions: Section 498A IPC (Section 85 BNS) / Section 482 CrPC (Section 528 BNSS)
General information, not legal advice. This is a plain-language summary for awareness only. Every case turns on its own facts, and this judgment does not decide how a court will rule in your matter. For advice on your own case, speak to an independent advocate — MyCaseFile is not a law firm and does not interpret judgments for anyone's case.