Karnataka HC rules husband's girlfriend not liable for cruelty to wife under BNS

The Karnataka High Court delivered a verdict stating that a husband’s girlfriend cannot be deemed guilty of cruelty towards his wife under the BNS provision. The bench examined the statutory language and concluded that the provision is intended to address conduct directly attributable to the spouse, not third parties. Consequently, the court dismissed any attempt to invoke BNS against the girlfriend in the present case. Legal experts noted that the ruling underscores the need to interpret cruelty clauses narrowly, focusing on the marital relationship itself. The decision may influence future petitions where third parties are alleged to have contributed to marital discord.