BNS §85
Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty
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Comparison
498A. 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. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “cruelty” means— (a) anywilful conduct which is of such a nature as is likely to drive the woman to commit suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to life, limb or health (whether mental or physical) of the woman; or (b) harassment of the woman where such harassment is with a view to coercing her or any person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for any property or valuable security or is on account of failure by her or any person related to her to meet such demand.] CHAPTER XXI OF DEFAMATION
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.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 498A absorbed into BNS 85 (offence) and BNS 86 (cruelty definition extracted). Cross-chapter relocation Ch XX-A→Ch V.
Old position
IPC 498A is concerned with Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty. Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty
New position
BNS 85 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: 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
BNS 85 (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) preserves the framework of IPC 498A. BNS 85 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code. BNS 85 text: Whoever, being...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS 85 (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) preserves the framework of IPC 498A. BNS 85 retains the operative provisions in substantively the same form, with drafting modernisation and structural updates as required by the new code.
BNS 85 text: 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.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 498A continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 85 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 85 (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty). The relationship is classified as substantively_same — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §498A → BNS §85 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-14, https://newlaws.in/bns/85.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.