Cruelty by Husband or Relatives

This provision criminalises conduct — whether physical or mental — by a husband or his relatives that is of a nature likely to drive the woman to commit suicide or cause grave injury, or that constitutes harassment aimed at coercing her or her family to meet an unlawful demand for property or valuables.

It is frequently invoked alongside civil remedies like maintenance and protection orders under domestic violence law, since the same conduct can attract more than one legal proceeding.