HC: Foreigners can invoke Domestic Violence Act before Indian courts

An estranged wife, a US citizen, filed a domestic violence case in the Madras High court. She filed the complaint to a Mahila Court under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. To counter her case, the husband filed a petition to dismiss her case. To this, the Madras High Court Judge pronounced that foreigners can invoke the Domestic Violence Act before the Indian Courts and refused to strike down the wife’s case.

Pronouncement made

• US citizens or any other foreign citizen have the right to invoke the Domestic Violence Act, of 2005
• The judge pronounced this judgment based on the provision under Article 21 of the constitution. Article 21 provides the Right to Life and also the right to personal liberty
• Section 27 of the Domestic Violence Act allows foreign citizens or NRIs or persons whose families belong to the jurisdiction of the family court shall invoke the law

Domestic Violence Act

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides the following security to Indian citizens:

• Protection against Domestic Violence, dowry, etc
• Judges shall pass custody orders, compensation orders, etc.
• Judges shall order monetary relief, medical facility
• A protection officer shall be appointed by the State Government

Estrange means someone who is no longer in friendly terms with the other.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2023

Category: Legal & Constitution Current Affairs