IPC Section 494
Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation of IPC Section 494:
Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 494
Marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife (Bigamy)
Text of Section 494 IPC:
“Whoever, having a husband or wife living, marries in any case in which such marriage is void by reason of its taking place during the life of such husband or wife, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.”
🔑 Key Elements:
The person must already be legally married.
The first spouse must be alive.
The person contracts a second marriage during the lifetime of the first spouse.
The second marriage must be legally void due to the first existing marriage.
⚖️ Punishment:
Imprisonment: Up to 7 years
Fine: May also be imposed
Cognizable and non-bailable offence (in most jurisdictions)
❗ Exceptions:
If the first marriage is declared void, or
If the spouse has been missing for 7 years or more, and the person did not know whether they were alive (with proper legal steps taken), then it is not an offence under this section.
📚 Summary:
Section 494 IPC punishes bigamy — marrying again while the first marriage is still legally valid and the spouse is alive.
It protects the sanctity of marriage and prevents fraudulent or overlapping matrimonial relations.
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