IPC 493 - A man by deceit causing a woman not lawfully married to him to believe that she is lawfully married to him and to cohabit with him in that belief

If a man deceives an unmarried woman into believing that she is lawfully married to him and engages in a relationship or sexual intercourse with her based on that false belief, he can be punished with imprisonment for up to ten years and may also be fined.

Addresses deceitful behavior involving false marriage claims.

Practical application:

Imagine a scenario where a man convinces an unmarried woman that they are legally married by using false documents or deceitful statements. Believing she is in a legitimate marital relationship, the woman engages in a romantic and sexual relationship with him. If the man’s deception is discovered, he could be charged under IPC Section 493. If found guilty, he may face imprisonment for up to ten years and a fine. This section thus serves as a legal recourse for women who have been misled into believing in a false marriage, ensuring accountability for such deceptive actions.

IPC Section 493 aims to protect women from deceitful practices related to false marriage claims. It addresses the serious issue of men misleading women into believing they are in a lawful marriage, which can have significant emotional, social, and legal consequences. This provision serves to deter such fraudulent behavior and uphold the sanctity of marital commitments.