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Section 82 — Marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife
82
82
Marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Chapter V Of Offences Against Woman and Child
⚖️
Reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate · Practicing since 31 years
📅 Updated 2026-04-10📚 Source: The Gazette of India
BigamyOffences Against WomenMarriageSerious Offence
🗣️ Simple Explanation
What does this law say? Section 82 of the BNS says that if you are already married and marry someone else, it's illegal. This is called bigamy. This section replaces the old law from the IPC.
Why does this law exist? This law protects the institution of marriage. It prevents people from having multiple spouses at the same time. It ensures fairness and honesty in relationships.
Real-life impact This law affects anyone who is married. It prevents people from secretly marrying someone else while still married. It protects the rights of the first spouse.
What happens if you break this law? If you break this law, you could be sent to jail for up to seven years. If you hide your first marriage, you could be jailed for up to ten years. You may also have to pay a fine. The police can arrest without a warrant.
⚖️ Punishment

Imprisonment up to ten years, or fine, or both.

💡 Real Life Example

Priya is married to Rahul, but she marries Amit without divorcing Rahul. Priya can be punished under this law. Sneha's husband, Rohan, has been missing for years, and she remarries without knowing if he is alive. If Rohan is alive, Sneha could face legal consequences. If Sneha hides her first marriage, she faces harsher punishment.

🛡️ KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
  • •Contact a lawyer immediately.
  • •Gather evidence of your marriage.
  • •Report the bigamy to the police.
  • •Seek legal aid (Article 39A).
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Section 82 of BNS deals with bigamy, which means marrying someone while already married. It is illegal to marry again without divorcing your first spouse. This law protects the institution of marriage and prevents people from having multiple spouses at the same time. It ensures fairness and honesty in relationships.
The punishment for bigamy is imprisonment for up to seven years. If you hide your first marriage, you could be jailed for up to ten years. You may also have to pay a fine. The police can arrest you without a warrant. This law aims to protect the sanctity of marriage.
Sources & References

📒 Legal text sourced from The Gazette of India & AdvocateKhoj Bare Acts Library

⚖️ Content reviewed by Advocate Aditi Babbar, Seasoned Advocate, with 31 years of legal practice

📚 Act Reference: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (replaces IPC)

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified advocate for specific legal matters.

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