Supreme Court Extends Cruelty Law to Live-In Partners

The Supreme Court of India ruled that Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which penalizes cruelty by a husband or his relatives, also applies to live-in relationships "in the nature of marriage" with an established intent to marry. The bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N. Kotiswar Singh said the protection covers consenting adults and stressed strict adherence to arrest safeguards, including preliminary inquiries. The ruling aims to prevent domestic violence and aligns with Article 14.