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.
IPC Section 493: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 493 addresses the offence of “Cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage.” This section applies when a man deceitfully induces a woman to believe she is lawfully married to him, thereby cohabitating with her. The deception could involve false representations, ceremonies that mimic lawful marriage, or other deceitful means that lead the woman to believe that she is engaging in a marital relationship that is legally recognized.
Is IPC Section 493 bailable?
It’s important to note that IPC Section 493 is a non-bailable offence. This means that the granting of bail is not a right but is at the discretion of the court. The non-bailable nature of this section underscores the gravity of the offence, particularly in terms of the exploitation and deception involved.
IPC Section 493 Punishment
The punishment for an offence under IPC Section 493 is severe. It includes imprisonment for a term that can extend up to ten years, and the offender is also liable to pay a fine. This stringent punishment reflects the seriousness of the offence, considering it involves deception that significantly impacts the personal and social status of a woman.
Example of IPC Section 493
A real-life example of IPC Section 493 could involve a case where a man deceives a woman into believing they are married using a fake marriage certificate or a ceremony that appears legitimate but has no legal standing. The woman, believing in the validity of her marriage, cohabitates with the man. Such cases often come to light when the legal status of the marriage is questioned, such as during legal disputes or when official documentation is required for various purposes. This section is particularly relevant in protecting women from exploitation and deceit in the guise of marriage.
