For Offences Relating To Marriage, Magistrate Can Only Take Cognizance On A Complaint By The Aggrieved Person: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court ruled that Magistrates can only take cognizance of offences related to marriage under the Indian Penal Code based on a complaint from the aggrieved person. The decision ensures that only those directly affected by such offences, such as bigamy or adultery, can initiate legal proceedings. This ruling aims to prevent the misuse of criminal laws related to marriage by third parties and ensures that the complaint is genuine. The court emphasized the need for a direct complaint from the aggrieved to maintain the integrity of matrimonial legal proceedings.