THE INDIAN PENAL CODE
ACT NO. 45 OF 1860
CHAPTER XXA
OF CRUELTY BY HUSBANDOR RELATIVESOF HUSBAND
498A. Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty.—Whoever, being
the husband or the relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be punished
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “cruelty” means—
(a) anywilful conduct which is of such a nature as is likely to drive the woman to commit suicide
or to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb or health (whether mental or physical) of the woman;
or
(b) harassment of the woman where such harassment is with a view to coercing her or any person
related to her to meet any unlawful demand for any property or valuable security or is on account of
failure by her or any person related to her to meet such demand.]