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can a man marry two wives legally in india ?


04-Oct-2024 (In Divorce Law)
Hello I just wanted to ask if an East Indian man married a Canadian women and then while in India he secretly married an East Indian woman is he not breaking any laws ? Is his marriage to the East Indian woman legal? is polygamy legal in india? Can he face charges like he would if in Canada? Where and to whom should his actions if illegal be reported? He is hindu. can a hindu man marry two wives legally in india?
Answers (4)

Answer #1
320 votes

In India, a Hindu man cannot legally marry a second wife while his first marriage is still valid. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, bigamy marrying another person while already being legally married is strictly prohibited and considered a criminal offense. Such a second marriage is deemed void, and the individual may face legal consequences, including prosecution under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code. This law applies to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. However, Muslims in India are governed by personal law, which permits a man to have up to four wives under certain conditions.

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Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty

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Answer #2
894 votes
If the husband is a Hindu then his second marriage will be declared null and void because it is the second marriage. And it’s a criminal offence under section 494 IPC that is marrying again during the lifetime of husband or wife. The husband can be prosecuted by the second wife. For more legal assistance I am just a call away.
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Advocate Jitender Singh

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Answer #3
882 votes
It depends on legalities accordingly and their jurisdiction as well as religion they follow ..we need more facts on the questions you asked..n what exactly do u seek out of it now is also a vital consideration Plz b in touch asap
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Advocate D. Khan

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Answer #4
764 votes
Yes, it is illegal to have two wives according Hindu law and the second marriage is void in the eyes of law. It is also considered as bigamy, which is punishable under Section 494 of Indian Penal Code. It is a non-cognizable offence. Either of the wives can lodge a criminal case against the husband. For any further legal assistance please feel free to contact.
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Advocate Jia Kapur

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