Question 1

Is cruelty under BNS Section 85 bailable?

Accepted Answer

No, Section 85 BNS ( cruelty to married woman ) is strictly non-bailable. The accused must submit a formal bail application in court.

Question 2

What is the statutory punishment for cruelty under Section 85?

Accepted Answer

It carries a prison term which may extend up to 3 years, along with a mandatory fine.

Question 3

Can police make immediate arrests upon a Section 85 complaint?

Accepted Answer

Cruelty is cognizable. However, under progressive BNSS guidelines and Supreme Court rulings, police are instructed to explore reconciliation or pre-arrest mediation in domestic disputes to prevent arbitrary immediate arrests.

BNS Section 85 Punishment Jail Term, Fines & Sentencing Guidelines

BNS Section 85: Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty (Legacy IPC Section N/A)

Statutory Classification Details

Cruelty by husband or relatives of husband (formerly 498A IPC)