NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court said Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with cruelty by a husband or his relatives, would also apply to partners in live-in relationships, expanding the scope of the provision beyond formally married couples.

The court said the law must evolve with changing social realities and ensure protection for individuals facing harassment in live-in relationships.The bench observed that legal safeguards against cruelty should not be restricted to marriage alone. It also clarified that live-in partners need not necessarily be a man and a woman, recognising that such relationships may take different forms.Section 498A prescribes imprisonment of up to three years and a fine for subjecting a woman to cruelty. The law defines cruelty as conduct likely to drive a woman to suicide, cause serious physical or mental harm, or harassment aimed at coercing unlawful demands for property or valuable security, including dowry.