IPC 498A → BNS 85: Cruelty by Husband

IPC 498A (now BNS 85): Cruelty by Husband or Relatives

IPC Section 498A punishes a husband or his relatives who subject a married woman to cruelty. From 1 July 2024 it continues as Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, with the definition of "cruelty" carried into the accompanying Section 86.

Punishment under BNS 85 (same as IPC 498A)

Imprisonment up to 3 years, and fine. The punishment is unchanged from old IPC 498A.

What changed from IPC to BNS?

Only the numbering moved (IPC 498A to BNS 85). The new code expressly recognises mental cruelty alongside physical cruelty and harassment connected with unlawful dowry demands. Cases filed before 1 July 2024 stay under IPC 498A; new complaints are registered under BNS 85.

Worked example

A married woman is repeatedly taunted and harassed by her husband and in-laws to extract a car from her parents as dowry. Persistent harassment of this kind — whether it drives her toward self-harm or is aimed at coercing an unlawful property demand — falls within BNS 85.

Practical notes

• For advocates: 498A / BNS 85 complaints frequently run with dowry death (IPC 304B to BNS 80) where death follows, and with criminal breach of trust (IPC 406 to BNS 316) over retention of streedhan.
• The offence is cognizable; both complainant and accused should take early legal advice, as the misuse safeguards and quashing principles laid down by the courts continue to apply.