Karnataka HC: Cruelty Charge Applicable Even in Void or Voidable Marriages
The Karnataka High Court has ruled that a man can be charged with cruelty even if the marriage or relationship is void or voidable, as long as it had the character of a married life. The court clarified that the legal protection against cruelty is not limited only to valid marriages.
This means that even if a marriage is later declared legally invalid, or if a relationship is not fully recognised under law, a person can still be held responsible for mental or physical cruelty during the time the couple lived as husband and wife.
The judgment is significant because it ensures that individuals cannot escape liability for cruelty by claiming that the marriage or relationship was legally void. The court emphasized that the nature of the relationship and the conduct of the parties are key factors in deciding cruelty cases, reinforcing protection for those in vulnerable situations.
