Whoever, dishonestly or with a fraudulent intention, goes through the ceremony of being married, knowing that he is not thereby lawfully married, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
IPC Section 496: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 496 addresses the offence of “Marriage ceremony fraudulently gone through without lawful marriage.” This section is invoked when an individual goes through a marriage ceremony deceitfully, knowing that no lawful marriage is being constituted. It targets those who conduct or participate in what appears to be a marriage ceremony without the intention or legal basis to establish a genuine marital bond.
Is IPC Section 496 bailable?
IPC Section 496 is bailable. This means that the accused is entitled to be released on bail, subject to the conditions set by the court.
IPC Section 496 Punishment
The punishment for an offence under IPC Section 496 is imprisonment for a term that may extend to seven years and is liable to a fine. The law aims to deter individuals from misleading others by conducting or participating in sham marriage ceremonies that do not result in a legally recognized marriage.
Example of IPC Section 496
A real-life example of IPC Section 496 could involve a case where two individuals participate in a marriage ceremony with all the traditional or formal aspects but do so with the knowledge that the marriage is not legal due to existing impediments (like a prior undissolved marriage) or lack of genuine consent. Such cases sometimes surface in scams where one party is led to believe the marriage is valid for financial or immigration benefits, only to discover later the fraudulent nature of the ceremony. These situations often lead to significant personal and legal consequences for the victims.
