IPC Section 493
Here’s a clear and detailed explanation of IPC Section 493:
Section 493 – Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage
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."
Key Points:
This section deals with situations where:
A man falsely makes a woman believe that she is legally married to him.
Based on that false belief, she cohabits or has sexual relations with him.
The law aims to protect women from being deceived into a relationship under a false pretense of marriage.
Actual marriage is not required—only the belief of lawful marriage caused by the man’s deceit is enough.
Punishment:
Imprisonment up to 10 years, and
Fine.
Nature of the Offence:
Cognizable – Police can register a case and arrest without a warrant.
Non-bailable – Bail is at the court’s discretion.
Triable by – Magistrate of the first class.
Summary:
IPC Section 493 punishes men who deceive women into thinking they are legally married and then cohabit or have sexual relations with them. It is a gender-specific provision aimed at preventing exploitation through false claims of marriage.
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