Punjab & Haryana HC: Live-in Relationship Without Divorce May Lead to Bigamy Charges
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has observed that if a person enters a live-in relationship without legally ending their previous marriage, it may lead to bigamy charges under Sections 494 and 495 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
This statement came while hearing a writ petition filed by a live-in couple, who claimed they were getting death threats from the woman’s relatives. They sought police protection, stating that they had been living together since September and that the man’s family had accepted their relationship.
However, the Court found that the man was already married and had a daughter with his wife. The petition mentioned that a divorce case was filed in the Family Court in Patiala, but no outcome or status of that case was provided.
“The petition does not reveal whether the divorce has been granted or not. This makes it clear that the divorce case is still pending,” the Court said.
Also, the couple did not present any proof of the threats or provide any specific examples of harassment, which made the Court question the truth of the claims.
The Court added that such vague claims without evidence cannot be trusted and seem to be an attempt to avoid criminal charges of adultery or bigamy.
Justice Tiwari remarked, “It appears the real intention behind filing this petition is to escape any possible legal action, not genuine fear for life.”
In conclusion, the High Court dismissed the petition, stating that the couple was trying to misuse the Court’s powers to get indirect approval for their relationship.
Be a part our social media community:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianMan.in?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/indianman.in?igsh=MWZ2N3N0ZmpwM3l3cw==
