Penal Code, 1860–Sec. 494 [Corresponding Sec. 82(1) of BNS, 2023]–Essential ingredients of the offence which should be established-
(i) The existence of a valid subsisting marriage between the complainant and the accused at the relevant time, and
(ii) The performance of another marriage by the accused with all essential ceremonies and customary rights recognised under personal laws, thereby rendering the said marriage legally valid.
Vague allegations of cohabitation, or assertions of the parties, living together as husband and wife, fall short of the statutory requirement u/s. 494.
