What is Section 493 IPC? Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage
Published on: Lawiz Team
Learn about Section 493 IPC: Meaning, scope, punishment, examples.
Official Legal Text
Every man who by deceit causes any woman who is not lawfully married to him to believe that she is lawfully married to him and to cohabit or have sexual intercourse with him in that belief, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
What This IPC Section Means – Explained in Simple Words
Section 493 punishes any man who, by deceit, induces a woman to believe that she is lawfully married to him and to cohabit with him.
Purpose
To protect women from being deceived into cohabitation under the false impression of a lawful marriage.
Bailable or Not Bailable & Punishment
Bailable: Non-Bailable, Punishment: Imprisonment up to 10 years, and fine.
Key Elements
1. The man must deceive the woman. 2. The deception must create a false belief of lawful marriage. 3. The woman must cohabit with the man based on that belief.
Punishment Details
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and a fine.
Illustrative Example
If a man falsely convinces a woman that they are married in order to live with her, he is punishable under Section 493.
Legal Defenses
If the accused can prove that the woman was aware of the deception, he may be acquitted.
Related Sections
Related to Section 494 (Marrying again during lifetime of spouse).
FAQs
What does Section 493 IPC define?
Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage.
How is 'Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage' interpreted in law?
It is interpreted based on the Indian Penal Code and relevant case law.
Where is Section 493 IPC applicable?
Its application depends on the legal context and the nature of the offence involved.
Can you give a practical example for Section 493?
Examples include real-life cases involving cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage.
Is Section 493 used along with other IPC sections?
Yes, it is often cited alongside related criminal provisions.
How do courts interpret Section 493 IPC?
Courts interpret it using past judgments and statutory interpretations.
Why is Section 493 significant?
It holds importance in the framework of criminal law.