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Indian Penal CodeSection 494

Section 494: Marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife

Bailable OffenseNon-cognizableNon-compoundable

In Simple Words

Bigamy. Marrying another person while your first marriage is still legally active and you haven't gotten a divorce.

Punishment & Penalties

Up to 7 years in prison, and fine.. Bailable, Non-cognizable.

Real-Life Case Example

Consider a situation where this rule is put to test. An individual acts in a way that aligns with the elements of Section 494, leading to a case where they are booked under this specific offense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Section 494 of IPC?

Marrying again during lifetime of husband or wife. In simple terms: Bigamy. Marrying another person while your first marriage is still legally active and you haven't gotten a divorce.

Is Section 494 of IPC a bailable offense?

Section 494 is classified as a Bailable offense. This means the accused can obtain bail as a matter of right from the police station.

What is the punishment for Section 494 of IPC?

Up to 7 years in prison, and fine.. Bailable, Non-cognizable.

Can Section 494 of IPC be quashed by the High Court?

Section 494 is Non-compoundable (cannot be settled out of court). However, the High Court has inherent powers under Section 482 of CrPC / Section 528 of BNSS to quash FIRs in certain categories of disputes if the parties reach a compromise.

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Related Sections

Act: Indian Penal Code (1860)
Jurisdiction: Supreme Court & State Courts of India
Last Updated: May 2026