Core Directive & Legal Provisions
1. Supreme Court Order
- Directive: Implement Allahabad HC’s 2022 guidelines → 2-month cooling period in matrimonial cruelty cases.
- Key Restriction: Police cannot arrest accused during this period.
- Purpose: Prevent misuse, enable mediation, and protect families from immediate trauma.
2. Section 498A IPC (BNS 2025 Equivalent: Section 85)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Protect women from cruelty (physical/mental) by husband/relatives. |
| Punishment | Up to 3 years jail + fine. |
| Nature | Cognizable, non-bailable, non-compoundable. |
| Misuse Concerns | Cited in SC judgments (Arnesh Kumar v. Bihar, 2014). |