What is the punishment for bigamy in India?

Answer By law4u team

Bigamy, the act of marrying someone while already being married to another person, is a criminal offense in India under Section 494 and 495 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The punishment for bigamy in India is outlined in these sections: Section 494: According to Section 494 of the IPC, whoever, having a spouse living, marries another person, shall be punished with imprisonment, which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine. Section 495: This section deals with the offense of marrying again during the lifetime of a spouse and specifies that the offense is cognizable (can be investigated and arrested without a warrant) and non-bailable (bail is not a matter of right). It's important to note that the punishment may vary based on the specific circumstances of the case. If the second marriage is contracted with the knowledge that the first spouse is still alive, and the accused intentionally conceals this fact, the punishment may be more severe. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that laws and their interpretations can change, so it's advisable to consult the latest legal resources or seek professional legal advice for the most current information on this matter.

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