What does Indian Law say about Extra Marital affairs with Mutual Consent?
In indian law, marital affairs, even with mutual consent, can have legal implications. Here's how the law generally addresses these situations:
1. Adultery
Decriminalization: Adultery was previously a criminal offense under Section 497 of the indian Penal Code (IPC). However, in a landmark judgment by the supreme court in 2018 (Joseph Shine v. Union of India), adultery was decriminalized. The court ruled that treating adultery as a criminal offense was unconstitutional and violated the rights to equality and privacy.
Civil Implications: While adultery is no longer a criminal offense, it can still be a ground for divorce under the Hindu marriage Act, 1955, and other personal laws. If one spouse engages in an extramarital affair, the other spouse may file for divorce on the grounds of adultery.
2. Mutual Consent
Mutual Consent and Divorce: If both spouses mutually agree to end the marriage, they can file for divorce by mutual consent under Section 13B of the Hindu marriage Act, 1955, or similar provisions under other personal laws. In such cases, the reasons for divorce, including any mutual understanding about extramarital affairs, are generally not scrutinized by the court as long as both parties consent to the divorce.
No Legal Validation: Indian law does not recognize or validate extramarital affairs, even if they are with mutual consent. Such relationships do not have any legal standing and can impact divorce proceedings, child custody, and financial settlements.
3. Impact on Custody and Alimony
Child Custody: In cases involving child custody, the court considers the best interests of the child. While an extramarital affair might be considered, the primary focus remains on the welfare of the child.
Alimony: An extramarital affair, even with mutual consent, can influence the court's decision on alimony or maintenance, particularly if it is used as a ground for divorce.
In summary, while consensual extramarital affairs are not criminalized in India, they can have significant civil consequences, particularly in divorce and family law matters.
1. Adultery
Decriminalization: Adultery was previously a criminal offense under Section 497 of the indian Penal Code (IPC). However, in a landmark judgment by the supreme court in 2018 (Joseph Shine v. Union of India), adultery was decriminalized. The court ruled that treating adultery as a criminal offense was unconstitutional and violated the rights to equality and privacy.
Civil Implications: While adultery is no longer a criminal offense, it can still be a ground for divorce under the Hindu marriage Act, 1955, and other personal laws. If one spouse engages in an extramarital affair, the other spouse may file for divorce on the grounds of adultery.
2. Mutual Consent
Mutual Consent and Divorce: If both spouses mutually agree to end the marriage, they can file for divorce by mutual consent under Section 13B of the Hindu marriage Act, 1955, or similar provisions under other personal laws. In such cases, the reasons for divorce, including any mutual understanding about extramarital affairs, are generally not scrutinized by the court as long as both parties consent to the divorce.
No Legal Validation: Indian law does not recognize or validate extramarital affairs, even if they are with mutual consent. Such relationships do not have any legal standing and can impact divorce proceedings, child custody, and financial settlements.
3. Impact on Custody and Alimony
Child Custody: In cases involving child custody, the court considers the best interests of the child. While an extramarital affair might be considered, the primary focus remains on the welfare of the child.
Alimony: An extramarital affair, even with mutual consent, can influence the court's decision on alimony or maintenance, particularly if it is used as a ground for divorce.
In summary, while consensual extramarital affairs are not criminalized in India, they can have significant civil consequences, particularly in divorce and family law matters.