What are the consequences of 498A?
Robert Miller
Published Mar 08, 2026
What are the consequences of 498A?
Section 498A[2] reads out as “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”.
What is the punishment for misuse of 498A?
It states that if such a woman is subjected to cruelty by a husband or relative of a woman’s husband, he shall be punished with imprisonment for a period of up to three years and also liable to fine. The crime under Section 498A is cognizable, non-compoundable and non-bailable.
Can wife stay with husband after filing 498A?
As per law you are still his legally wedded wife and you have every right to stay in your matrimonial home. You can enforce the right to residence through court. Hi Lawyers, Currently I am a working woman earning more than my husband. I have an on going 498A case against my husband and both my in laws.
What happens if mediation fails in 498A?
1. If both the spouses agree before the mediator to separate then the mediator will forward his report to the court whereupon the court may suggest you to file for mutual divorce. 2. If mediation fails then the case will be remanded back to court for disposal in accordance with the law.
What proof is 498A?
The main evidences that are there in 498a are medical evidence, eye witnesses, watsapp and email messages. sometimes wife also threatens to lodge and harass husband to lodge a 498a case, such threatening calls or messages must be used as defence evidence.
Who has burden of proof in 498A?
The burden to prove the accused guilty of an offence without any reasonable doubt reasonable doubt is always on the prosecution. So, prosecutions have to prove their case, if fails then it may end with acquittal of the accused.
Is 498A a ground for divorce?
Section 498A IPC: Acquittal may become a ground for the husband to seek divorce due to mental cruelty [Read the Order] 2019 has observed that once acquitted for an offence under Section-498A, husband can claim curelty and seek divorce.
Is 498A a criminal case?
Section 498A makes it criminal for a husband and his relatives to subject a married woman to cruelty is which is likely to drive a woman to commit suicide or cause grave physical or mental injury to her, and harassment with a view to coercing her or any of her relatives to meet any unlawful demands of property.
How can I get revenge on my 498A wife?
Other then the civil litigation for divorce, you can even file civil suit for defamation against the her after the criminal proceedings under section 498A etc….
- Malicious prosecution against her.
- Defamation case.
- File complint to concerned police station under IPC 211.
- File for divorce.
- Get remarry.
What happens next if mediation fails?
If the mediation process fails, and you do not reach an agreement or settlement, you can still bring the issue to court. Mediation leaves the outcome of the case to the disputing parties, rather than awaiting a decision made by a judge or jury through litigation.
What if mediation fails in divorce in India?
In case mediation process fails, divorce shall not be granted, but the court shall move on with proceedings as per process. You and your husband will bring evidence as based upon same, divorce may or may not be granted.
How long does a 498A case run?
Because even if you don’t try to delay anything, a 498a case may run for 7-10 years at the minimum anyway.
What are the social effects of a false case of 498A?
The social effects of a false case of 498A are far more impactful than its legal effects. Emotional sensitivity, damaged reputation, and mental trauma are factors that leave a life-long impact on the victim’s life. A typical case of Section 498A goes on for at least five (5) to seven (7) years and the conviction rate is about two (2) % only [3].
What is the misuse of IPC 498A?
Misuse of IPC 498a is very high. As per NCRB data, it is said that merely 1 – 2% cases end in conviction of the accused. Many studies have been done in this regard which also point to very high misuse.
What is the conviction rate of a 498A case?
A typical case of Section 498A goes on for at least five (5) to seven (7) years and the conviction rate is about two (2) % only [3]. For no-fault, the family of the accused is taken to jail immediately after the wife lodges a complaint.
What is the time limit for filing 498a1?
A1. Yes, there is no limitation of number of years of marriage on filing 498A. However, that doesn’t mean that a wife or her relative can a file section 498A on the husband anytime they wish. As per CrPC 468, the limitation on filing of 498A is 3 years from the last alleged incident.