Girlfriend not a 'relative', 498A doesn't apply: HC

Gujarat High Court quashes FIR, rules 'relative' status applicable only when related by blood, marriage or adoption

- Nikunj.Soni @ahmedabadmirror.com

The Gujarat High Court in a recent order quashed a criminal FIR lodged against a woman alleged to be the "paramour" of a complainant's husband, reinforcing the stand that a "girlfriend" does not fall under the definition of a "relative" to be charged under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code.

The court was hearing a plea from a woman named in an FIR registered with the Ahmedabad City Western Mahila Station for offences including cruelty (Section 498A), criminal breach of trust (Section 406), and criminal intimidation (Section 506(2)).