YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT 3 contestant Armaan Malik, who often makes headlines for his family vlogs and unique household setup, is now in the middle of a legal storm. Malik, along with his two wives Payal
Malik and Kritika Malik, has been summoned by the Patiala District Court in connection with serious allegations of violating the Hindu Marriage Act and hurting religious sentiments.
Armaan Malik, whose real name is Sandeep and who is originally Hindu, faces accusations of not just marrying twice but four times. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, a Hindu person is permitted to marry only one spouse at a time. Since Armaan is openly living with two wives, it is being considered a breach of the law.
The Patiala House Court has summoned him in a case that directly questions the legality of his marriage to his second wife, Kritika Malik, while his first wife Payal Malik is still alive. The case not only raises the issue of bigamy but also leads to a larger debate on the rights of both wives and the children born out of such marriages.
What Law Says About Second Marriage
The foundation of this case lies in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Section 5 which clearly states that a marriage is valid only when neither of the spouses already has a living husband or wife. If a second marriage is performed without dissolving the first marriage through divorce, the second marriage is automatically void in the eyes of law.
Bigamy, the act of marrying again while a spouse is alive, falls under criminal provisions as well. Earlier it was covered under Sections 494 and 495 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), but after the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, these sections are now reflected in Sections 81 and 82.
- Section 81 (Bigamy): If a married person marries again while their spouse is alive, it is a criminal offence. Punishment can extend to 7 years of imprisonment along with a fine.
- Section 82 (Bigamy by concealment): If a person hides their first marriage and remarries by deceit, the punishment can extend to 10 years in jail and a fine.
What Happens If Armaan Malik Is Found Guilty?
If it is proven that Armaan married Kritika while Payal was still legally his wife, then the law will treat the second marriage as illegal and void. In that case:
- Payal Malik will continue to hold the status of his only legal wife.
- Kritika Malik’s marriage will have no legal standing, though she may seek remedies if she proves that she was misled.
- Armaan himself could face imprisonment and monetary penalties under Sections 81 or 82 of BNS.
Rights Of The Wives And Children
This is perhaps the most sensitive part of the controversy. Indian law ensures that the rights of children are not affected even if the marriage of their parents is deemed invalid.
- First Wife (Payal): She retains her full legal status as Armaan’s wife. She can claim maintenance, property rights, and inheritance on behalf of herself and her children.
- Second Wife (Kritika): While the law does not recognise her as a “legal wife”, the Supreme Court has, in several judgments, extended protection and maintenance rights to women who entered into such marriages without knowledge of the man’s existing marriage. If Kritika proves deception, she can seek financial and social protection.
- Children from both marriages: Under Section 16 of the Hindu Marriage Act, children born from void marriages are considered legitimate. This means that all of Armaan’s children, including those with Kritika, will have equal rights to his property and inheritance.
Controversy Within The Malik Family
Even as the legal battle unfolds, Armaan Malik’s household continues to attract attention. Recently, the family announced another pregnancy, but this time it was clarified that it is not Kritika, but Payal Malik who is expecting a child after 15 years. Payal shared in her vlog that while her previous pregnancy was through IVF, this time she conceived naturally, which she described as a “miracle”.
Kritika, reacting to the news, said she is happy for Payal and will personally take care of her during the pregnancy. Armaan, too, expressed joy, saying, “Payal told me that I will definitely have this child, so I say that you are a mother, you have full right. My lineage is growing. You can have 1 or 5… My father had 4 children.”
Legal Troubles Beyond Marriage
This is not the first time the family has been dragged into controversy. In the petition filed by a man named Davinder Rajput, a separate charge has been levelled against Payal Malik for allegedly insulting Goddess Kali in the family vlog. In the video, Payal was dressed as Goddess Kali, allegedly hurting religious sentiments. Though Payal later deleted the video and apologised at a Kali temple in Mohali, offering seven days of service as penance, the legal process continues.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 2. Meanwhile, the controversy is being widely debated on social media, with Armaan and Payal’s supporters clashing with those demanding strict action against them for breaking the law.
