Cruelty To Wife--Extra-Marital Relationship--Girlfriend or Concubine Does Not Fall Within the Definition of Of 'Relative' U/s 498A IPC
A woman in an extra-marital relationship with a husband does not qualify as a "relative" under Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code. The term "relative" connotes a status conferred by blood, marriage, or adoption, and a girlfriend or concubine falls outside its ambit. Such a person cannot be prosecuted for cruelty or harassment under Section 498-A. Further, vague and omnibus allegations lacking specific details of time, date, place, or manner of occurrence cannot sustain criminal proceedings under Section 498-A, particularly where the FIR appears to be a counter-blast instituted with mala fide intent.
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