Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Section 498A IPC

Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code was introduced in the year 1983. This section was added to protect a married woman from subject to cruelty from her husband or her in-laws. The term “cruelty” here refers to any harm caused to the person both mentally or physically. Section 498A IPC protects a woman from harassment related to dowry or any marital issues. According to this section, the accused is subjected to 3 years of punishment or fine. Though this section was introduced to protect women from exploitation, it has got some disadvantages too, which we shall see in this article.

What is Section 498A IPC?

Here’s the text of the Article 498A IPC as mentioned in the Indian Penal Code:

Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty.—Whoever, being the husband or the relative of the husband of a woman, subjects such woman to cruelty shall be pun­ished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.

Advantages of Section 498A IPC

• Prevents the Exploitation of Women:

The exploitation of women has always been a critical issue since for years. One of the major advantages of introducing this section is protecting women from getting exploited.  If any woman is being subjected to cruelty as explained in the section, then it would be taken as a punishable offense. And whoever subjects her to cruelty shall be punished for three years or pay a penalty fine.

• Empowers the Women:

Section 498A seems to have empowered women in Indian. It has encouraged women to come forward and file complaints. Initially, women hesitated to raise voice against the harassment with the fear of not being heard.  With the increased number of cases under this section, women do not feel hesitated any more to register their complaints. Women are now voicing against her husband or in-laws rather than staying silent in such gravity situations.

• Effectively Controls the Suicide Rates:

Given increased cases of cruelty on women by her husband or her in-laws, 498A was introduced. The number of suicidal cases due to cruelty has decreased greatly after the introduction of 498A IPC. Before the introduction of this section, it was found that about 40% of women deaths were suicidal cases. Reduction of suicidal cases is one of the main objectives behind introducing this law, which has been carried out effectively.

• The Deaths due to Dowry have been Reduced:

If a person has caused dowry death to a woman, then he would be taken in custody or may be punished. Increase in the number of dowry deaths is a serious concern for Indian Law. Therefore, 498A was introduced to reduce the cases of dowry deaths. If a woman is mentally or physically abused for not bringing a dowry with her, she has all the rights to register a complaint and seek justice. This provides them with an option to seek their right to live instead of committing suicide.

• Makes the In-Laws More Responsible:

All the cases registered under this section and the punishment given to them has set an example for others. Husbands and his relatives are now becoming more concerned about their responsibility and non-negligible towards their duties. The section 498A IPC thereby ensures that every woman needs to be treated with respect and care.

Disadvantages of Section 498A IPC

Apart from having so many advantages for the women there, the article 498A IPC has a huge number of shortcomings which need to be addressed to soon. There are several disadvantages of this Act which are making the premise redundant. The top 5 disadvantages of the section 498A IPC are:

• Easily Misused:

Many women use this power as a weapon against their husbands and their relatives. There are many cases under 498A, which involves wrong allegation cases. Many times, the women put false allegations on her husband of being beaten or getting exploited to instill in them a fear. In many cases, the husband is the victim but still ends up getting punished, and his family is left at the mercy of an ill-minded woman.

• Lack of Investigation increases Blackmails:

There is no proper investigation made on the complaints registered by the woman. In most of the cases, the husband is directly taken into custody without even investigating if that allegation is right or not. Therefore, it cannot be guaranteed completely that all the cases registered by the women under 498A are entirely true. This is misused by the privileged women in most of the cases.

• Too Complex a Process:

From registering a complaint to availing justice, section 498A involves a complicated process. It includes a lot of paperwork to finish the formalities. Moreover, it includes a lot of time and efforts. This discourages many women as they feel uneasy taking their time out, go to the police station, and file complaints. Furthermore, they feel the whole process testing their patience level to get justice, which is a clear violation of the saying Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.

• Unreliable Evidence:

When women resister their case, many times, they are asked for evidence to prove their point.  In many cases, women fail to find evidence in to file the case. There have been many cases which are declined due to no evidence presented. Not only women, but it happens in the case of men too. If they want to prove the allegation put on them wrong, they are asked to bring the evidence. And failure to present the evidence may lead to non-consideration of the complaint. This makes the law heavily biased, which is against the fundamental principle of equality as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

• Social Discouragement Enhanced:

In most of the cases, it was found that women gather all their courage to raise voice against the harassment but don’t file a case. The reason behind this is the discouragement of her family members, mainly in rural areas. Therefore, the real victims do not get to use the act at all while it is being misused by the privileged ones. The society is yet to accept this and hence shames the women raising their voices. Hence, due to a fear of social boycott, women are discouraged from taking any actions. 

Conclusion

Section 498A IPC has helped many women to get justice against the atrocities committed by their in-laws. However, it has got a few negative points too. Although women empowerment is a need of the hour, it is mandatory to make sure that no injustice is done to the men as well. A reformation in the act is required at the earliest to reap the benefits of this act by the last person of the pyramid.

Section 415 of the Indian Penal Code

Cheating is that offense which is understood even by a layman. Often people use the term ‘cheating’ whereby they mean something to be deceitful or fraudulent. Cheating is considered as a wrong act when done, even in some of the trivial issues. Section 415 of IPC (India Penal Code), 1860 defines ‘Cheating’ and this article would be discussing the legal definition and legal aspect of the offense of cheating.

Section 415 – Cheating

Cheating is defined under Chapter XVII which deals with ‘Offences against Property‘ under Section 415 as follows-

Cheating.—Whoever, by deceiving any person, fraudulently or dishonestly induces the person so deceived to deliver any proper­ty to any person, or to consent that any person shall retain any property, or intentionally induces the person so deceived to do or omit to do anything which he would not do or omit if he were not so deceived, and which act or omission causes or is likely to cause damage or harm to that person in body, mind, reputation or property, is said to “cheat”.

Explanation.—A dishonest concealment of facts is a deception within the meaning of this section.[1]

From the above-mentioned definition, some of the basic elements of cheating are as follows-

Fraudulently  

The act should either be fraudulent or dishonest to be termed as under the offense of cheating. The term ‘fraudulently’ is defined under Section 25 of the IPC.

“A person is said to do a thing fraudulently if he does that thing with intent to defraud but not otherwise.”[2]

Acting dishonestly

The intention of the wrongdoer in every criminal offense is of great importance. Therefore, in cheating, also the person who commits the offense should act dishonestly. The term ‘dishonesty’ is defined under Section 24 of the IPC.

“Whoever does anything with the intention of causing wrongful gain to one person or wrongful loss to another person, is said to do that thing “dishonestly”.[3]

Property

Section 415 comes under Chapter XVII, which makes the offense of Cheating that is committed against property.

Deceive

The accused must deceive the person in such a way that he is induced to deliver any property or gives consent to the accused to retain a property that he posses. Also, it is very important to note down here that the deception should be with a dishonest or fraudulent intention.[4]

All the elements of cheating specified under Section 415 should be connected to each other in order to make an offense of cheating.

As per the Supreme Court very clearly held that the crux of the offense of cheating is the intention of the person who induces the victim of his representation. The nature of the transaction is irrelevant, which would become decisive in discerning whether there was the commission of an offense or not.[5]

The Supreme Court in a case held that in order to convict a person under the offense of cheating there should be the pre-existing fraudulent or dishonest intention of the accused from the beginning whereas in case of breach of contract the dishonest intention is generally not present at the beginning of the agreement. [6]

Punishment of Cheating

Cheating is punishable under section 417, and the punishment for cheating is imprisonment up to 1 year or fine or both. [7]Imprisonment depends upon the cheating and quantum of the act. If the act is grave, imprisonment and fine, both can be awarded. Whereas, when the act committed is not grave imprisonment is generally not imposed.

Difference between Cheating and Fraud

The offense of cheating and fraud are almost similar, and therefore, sometimes there is confusion between the two. It is very important to know the differences between the two.

1. The offense of Cheating is mentioned under section 415-420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, whereas, fraud is mentioned under 421-424 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
2. Usually, cheating is committed to obtaining some advantage from a person. Fraud is committed to gain an advantage by another’s loss.
3. Fraud basically is confined to contract cases, but cheating has a wide ambit.

Conclusion

The offense of Cheating, which is very common, includes two main elements, that is deception and inducement. Sometimes cheating is confused with fraud or other civil or criminal offense, but it differs from all of them in one way or the other. Therefore, the conceptual understanding of the offense of cheating becomes very important. Apart from section 415, another section related to cheating are also important.

[1] Indian Penal Code, 1860, s. 415.

[2] Indian Penal Code,1860, s. 25.

[3] Indian Penal Code, 1860, s. 24.

[4] A. Pareed Pillai v State (1973) SC 326.

[5] Rajesh Bajaj v. NCT of Delhi and Ors. (1999) SC 1216.

[6] S.W. Palanitkar V. State of Bihar 2001(10) TMI 1150.

[7] Indian Penal Code, s. 417.

Simple Guidance For You In Section 323 Of The Indian Penal Code, 1860

INTRODUCTION TO IPC 323

The Indian Penal Code covers the offense of hurt under Chapter XVI, i.e., “Offences Affecting Life.” Section 323 punishes voluntary causing of hurt under the same.

The provision laid under Section 319 reads as: “Whoever causes bodily pain, disease or infirmity to any person is said to cause hurt.”

The important points for establishing an offense of under Section 319 are:

• Firstly, bodily pain caused should be physical. In other words, such pain should not be emotional or mental.
• Secondly, infirmity includes temporary mental impairment, hysteria, or terror.
• Thirdly, communicating diseases is also a cause of ‘hurt.’

The courts have taken a mixed approach to the third point. For example, in the case of R v. Clarence[1], there was a transfer of venereal disease from the husband to wife. The husband resisted from informing his wife in spite of knowing about his condition. Because if she had come to see, she would not have agreed for sexual intercourse. Contrarily, the court held that the husband was not guilty of causing ‘hurt.’

It is differentiated from the offense of ‘Grievous-Hurt[2]’. It is of a graver intensity as compared to ‘hurt’ and thus, lesser punishment is applicable in case of hurt.

VOLUNTARILY CAUSING HURT

A small case under Section 319 is not punishable. Thus, IPC demarcates a separate offense for hurting voluntarily or intentionally. Section 321 states: “Whoever does any act to thereby cause hurt to any person, or with the knowledge that he is likely thereby to cause hurt to any person, and does thereby cause hurt to any person, is said, “voluntarily to cause hurt.”

In Hanif Usmanbhai Kalva v. State of Gujarat[3], the court has discussed the essential ingredients which constitute the offense under section 323 IPC. These areas under:

1. “The accused caused hurt to another person;
2. He caused such hurt voluntarily;
3. S. 334 does not protect his act.”

Exception

Furthermore, these provisions under Section 321 is subject to Section 334 of the Indian Penal Code. Anyone who acts unintentionally or without any knowledge and causes hurt to a person who provoked him would have a reduced punishment as a result of lack of intention.

However, it is necessary here that the provocation must be grave and sudden.

Punishment

A person causing hurt voluntarily is punishable with an imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both under Section 323 IPC.

However, this punishment is subject to Section 334 which provides for imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one month, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both in case of doing the act under grave and sudden provocation.

Read Also: Voluntary Causing Hurt: Provision and Punishment

Other Forms Of Voluntarily Causing Hurt

1. Voluntarily Causing of Hurt by Dangerous Weapons or Means

Section 324 specifically defines ‘voluntarily causing of hurt by dangerous weapons or means’ as an offense. The special circumstances of voluntarily causing hurt laid down under Section 324 are by means of:

1. an instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or
2. an instrument which, used as a weapon of offense, is likely to cause death, or
3. fire or any heated substance, or by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or
4. explosive substance, or
5. the substance which is harmful to the human body to inhale, to swallow, to receive into the blood, or
6. any animal.

Likewise, imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both, is enforceable in case of voluntary hurt by dangerous means.[4] And it is also subject of Section 334.

2. Voluntary Hurt to Extort Property, Or To Constrain To An Illegal Act –

Voluntarily hurting a person to extort any property or valuable security from him or any person interested in him or constraining to do anything illegal is separately punishable with an imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and also relevant fine.[5]

3. Causing Hurt by Means of Poison to Commit an Offence – 

Section 328 of the IPC says that, whoever administers to or causes to be taken by any person any poison or any stupefying, intoxicating or unwholesome drug, or other thing with intent to cause hurt to such person, or with intent to commit or to facilitate the commission of an offence or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause hurt is an offender.

Furthermore, such an offense would be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.[6]

4. Voluntary Hurt to Extort Confession – 

Voluntarily hurting a person so as to extort any confession or information from either the sufferer or anyone interested, which may lead to the detection of an offence or misconduct and vice versa, is punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and also makes a person liable to fine.[7]

Illustration: Torturing a person in order to induce him to point out where certain stolen property is deposited makes a person guilty of an offense under Section 332.

5. Voluntary Hurt by Endangering Life in Public – 

Whoever hurts any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life or the personal safety of others, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.[8]

CONCLUSION

Thus, intentional or voluntarily hurting anyone is a punishable offense. Section 323 of the IPC punishes it accordingly. In addition to this, several separate offenses are also formed in furtherance of a voluntary act.

[1] (1889) 22 QB 23.

[2] Section 322, Indian Penal Code 1860.

[3] Criminal Misc. Application No. 3120 of 2014.

[4] Supra note 2, Section 324.

[5] Ibid, S. 327.

[6] Ibid, S. 328.

[7] Ibid, S. 332.

[8] Ibid, S. 337.