LINGARI OBULAMMA vs L. VENKATA REDDY & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that for a conviction under Section 494 IPC, it is essential to prove that both marriages were valid and performed according to the law governing the parties. The Court found that the prosecution failed to establish the validity of the second marriage, as there was no evidence of the necessary ceremonies being performed, such as Dutta Homa and Saptapadi. Consequently, the High Court's acquittal of the respondents was upheld, affirming that the husband did not meet the burden of proof required for bigamy under Section 494 IPC.