What Are The Legal Consequences Of Bigamy In India?

In India, bigamy is defined as the act of marrying someone while already being legally married to another person. Under Indian law, bigamy is considered a criminal offense in most cases, with significant legal consequences for the person committing it. The severity of the consequences depends on the type of marriage (under personal laws like the Hindu Marriage Act or secular laws like the Special Marriage Act) and the specific circumstances of the case.

Legal Consequences of Bigamy in India

1. Criminal Penalties:

   Bigamy is considered a criminal offense under Section 494 and Section 495 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). According to these sections:

   • Section 494: Any person who marries another person while their spouse is still alive and the marriage is valid is guilty of bigamy. If convicted, the person may face imprisonment for up to 7 years and may also be fined.
   • Section 495: If the second marriage occurs with the intention to deceive the first spouse (for example, hiding the first marriage), the offender could be punished with imprisonment for up to 7 years and a fine.
2. Impact on the Second Marriage:

   In the case of a bigamous marriage, the second marriage is typically considered void unless the first spouse has died, or the first marriage has been legally annulled or dissolved through divorce. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, a second marriage is invalid if the first marriage is still in existence.

3. Divorce and Legal Separation:

   If a spouse discovers that their partner has committed bigamy, they can seek divorce under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, citing bigamy as grounds for dissolution. The aggrieved spouse can file for divorce and seek maintenance and alimony.

   • Under the Special Marriage Act, bigamy can also be a ground for divorce.
   • The offended spouse is entitled to claim maintenance from the offending spouse as part of the divorce proceedings.
4. Rights of the First Spouse:

   The first spouse has the legal right to:

   • File for divorce or judicial separation due to bigamy.
   • Seek maintenance for themselves and their children from the offending spouse.
   • File criminal charges against the person committing bigamy.

5. Rights of Children from the Second Marriage:

   Children born out of a bigamous marriage are considered legitimate under Indian law and have inheritance rights to the property of both parents, including the first and second spouse, provided the second marriage is valid under the law. However, if the second marriage is not legally valid, the children may still have rights under the Hindu Succession Act or other applicable personal laws.

6. Legal Protections for Women:

   A woman who is a victim of bigamy may seek protection under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 if she faces any abuse or neglect due to the bigamous marriage. She can also claim maintenance, custody of children, and other legal remedies under this law.

7. Civil Consequences and Financial Liabilities:

   If the offender is found guilty of bigamy, they may face significant civil liabilities, such as the division of property or compensation to the offended spouse. If the second marriage is found to be fraudulent, the offending spouse may also be required to return any financial gains or assets obtained under false pretenses.

Example

If a man marries a woman while still being married to his first wife, and his second marriage is discovered, the second marriage is legally void under Indian law. The first wife can file for divorce based on bigamy and seek maintenance and alimony. The man could face criminal prosecution under Sections 494 and 495 of the IPC, leading to potential imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the children from the second marriage have the right to claim inheritance from both the man and the first wife, despite the second marriage being void.

This answer highlights the legal consequences of bigamy under Indian law, including criminal penalties, divorce rights, and the rights of both the spouse and children affected by the offense. Bigamy is treated seriously, and the laws provide various protections for the aggrieved party.