Rules for Drinking Alcohol: Married men who consume alcohol on New Year's Day without their wives' permission could face jail time. Find out what the law says about this.

Alcohol without permission

Rules for Drinking Alcohol:  With the arrival of the New Year, celebrations are rife across the country and the world. Alcohol consumption is common at parties and celebrations. However, this New Year, a warning regarding married men is rapidly going viral on social media. It is being claimed that if a married man drinks alcohol without his wife's consent, he could face jail time.

Such messages are confusing many people. The question is whether the law really provides for imprisonment simply for drinking alcohol, and that too without the wife's permission. Let's understand the truth behind this claim and what the law actually says in this matter.

Jail if you drink alcohol without permission?

If you've also heard that a husband didn't ask his wife for permission before drinking, he could face jail time. The law doesn't provide for such a case. This case is being linked to domestic violence, which is covered under Section 85/85B of the Criminal Procedure Code (BNS). Under this law, a husband who engages in domestic violence after consuming alcohol or drugs is liable for domestic violence. 

If the husband threatens his wife's mental peace or dignity, she can file an FIR. The punishment is imprisonment of up to three years and a fine. For example, if the wife has previously clearly told her husband not to come home drunk, but he still does so, leading to conflict or fear, this would be considered cruelty. However, simply drinking alcohol is not a crime. 

The right to protect the wife

Government data shows that alcohol is a factor in more than 40% of domestic violence cases. Therefore, the new law provides greater protection for women. A wife can seek protection, obtain a separation order, or have her husband placed on a good behavior bond. Legal experts point out that this is only possible if the husband drinks alcohol peacefully and does not engage in violence. 

So this section doesn't apply. This law is only meant to address domestic violence, not to impose a blanket ban on alcohol. Due to a viral New Year's Day message, many people are jokingly saying that permission is required. However, the real purpose is to ensure women's safety and nothing more.