Section 498A · 11 February 2026
Husband's Girlfriend Cannot Be Treated as "Relative" Under Section 498A IPC
High Court for the State of Telangana
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Following matrimonial discord, the wife lodged an FIR under Section 498A IPC against her husband and arrayed his female friend/girlfriend as a co-accused for domestic cruelty.
The High Court held that a girlfriend or female friend of the husband does not fall within the statutory meaning of a "relative" of the husband under Section 498A IPC, rendering criminal prosecution against her legally unsustainable.
Relevant provisions: Section 498A IPC (Section 85 BNS) / Section 482 CrPC (Section 528 BNSS)
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