497. Adultery.
Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery, and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine, or with both. In such case, the wife shall not be punishable as an abettor.
*NEW SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT REGARDING SECTION 497 (ADULTERY) ON 27th SEPTEMBER 2018*
CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE
Punishment—Imprisonment for 5 years, or fine, or both—Non-cognizable— Bailable—Triable by Magistrate of the first class—Non-compoundable.
STATE AMENDMENT
State of Andhra Pradesh:
Punishment—Imprisonment for 5 years, or fine, or both—Cognizable—Bailable— Triable by Magistrate of the first class—Non-compoundable.
Vide A.P. Act 3 of 1992, section 2 (w.e.f. 15-2-1992)
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