The government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that it does not want to drop adultery as an offence, saying such a move will only weaken the institution of marriage. In an 11-page affidavit that will come up before a Constitution Bench, the Centre said the provision punishing adultery - Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code - "supports, safeguards and protects the institution of marriage". The government agreed to the thought that "stability of a marriage is not an ideal to be scorned".

The government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that it does not want to drop adultery as an offence, saying such a move will only weaken the institution of marriage. In an 11-page affidavit that will come up before a Constitution Bench, the Centre said the provision punishing adultery - Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code - "supports, safeguards and protects the institution of marriage". The government agreed to the thought that "stability of a marriage is not an ideal to be scorned".