Relationship in Nature of Marriage Can Attract Cruelty Provision Under Section 498A IPC: Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court has dismissed a criminal revision petition seeking quashing of criminal proceedings under Sections 498A, 420 and 384 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Court held that the absence of a formally valid traditional marriage does not, at the initial stage of a criminal case, automatically prevent prosecution under Section 498A IPC where the available material indicates a marriage-like domestic relationship and allegations of cruelty. Justice…