In a dramatic turn of events, a man in Bihar faced public humiliation when his first wife disrupted his second wedding. The incident unfolded in Bhagalpur on December 10, where the man’s attempt at bigamy ended in chaos.

The Incident

The man, identified as Manoj Pandit, had married Sekha Devi earlier in a love marriage. However, their relationship soured, leading to a court battle. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Pandit’s family arranged a second marriage, concealing his marital status from the new bride’s family.

The pre-wedding rituals, including the haldi and mehendi ceremonies, were in full swing when Sekha Devi, accompanied by her mother, arrived at the venue. She revealed her existing marriage to Pandit, leading to a heated confrontation.

Outcome

The bride’s family, shocked by the revelation, immediately called off the wedding. Festivities came to an abrupt halt as the truth unraveled.

Legal Implications

Bigamy is a criminal offense in India under Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It carries a punishment of up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both. The law clearly states:

“Whoever, having a husband or wife living, marries in any case in which such marriage is void by reason of its taking place during the life of such husband or wife, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.”

This incident highlights the importance of adhering to marital laws and the consequences of violating them.

Key Takeaways

• Bigamy is punishable by law in India with imprisonment and fines.
• The existing spouse has the right to challenge and expose illegal marriages.
• Awareness and legal action can help prevent such unlawful practices.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and adherence to legal frameworks in personal relationships.