Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Dowry Harassment Case: Satish Kumar Batra & Others v. State of Haryana (2009)
On April 4, 2024, the Supreme Court of India delivered a historic verdict in the case of Satish Batra v. State of Haryana, reaffirming that a daughter-in-law has the right to reside in the shared household, even if it is owned by in-laws.
This judgment strengthens the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA), offering clarity and protection to countless women suffering in silence. As an advocate working closely with domestic violence cases in Mumbai and Thane, I believe this ruling will serve as a beacon of hope for many.
Background:
Meera (name changed), a woman from Haryana, filed a complaint under the PWDVA, 2005 after facing mental and physical abuse by her husband and in-laws. Despite her complaint, her mother-in-law sought eviction of Meera from the house, claiming it was her exclusive property and that Meera had no legal right to stay there.
Can a woman be forced out of her marital home, even if it is owned by her in-laws?
What the Supreme Court Held?
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, ruled:
“A woman who is in a domestic relationship has the right to reside in the shared household, irrespective of whether she has any title or ownership.”
This judgment reinforces Section 17 of the Domestic Violence Act, which provides a woman’s right to residence in the “shared household.” It also clarified:
• A shared household is not limited to property owned by the husband.
• The woman cannot be evicted forcibly without following due legal process.
• In-laws cannot claim eviction just because they own the house.
Legal Advice: What Should You Do if Facing Domestic Violence?
If you or someone you know is facing abuse or is being asked to leave the matrimonial home:
1. File a complaint under PWDVA, 2005 – You can approach a protection officer or file directly in court.
2. Seek a residence order – The court can legally restrain the in-laws from evicting you.
3. Request protection orders – These orders prevent further acts of abuse, threats, or harassment.
4. Consult an advocate – Professional legal help ensures your rights are protected effectively.
Need Help?
Free Consultation for Domestic Violence Matters
Email: adv.sarika@lawmela.com
WhatsApp/Call: 9768700279
The police have registered a case under sections 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 118(1) (Voluntarily causing hurt) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint lodged by the deceased woman’s family.
What happedn – The incident, which took place at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman Revathi and the hospitalization of her nine-year-old son due to asphyxiation. Around 9.30 pm on December 4, Allu Arjun came to the theatre with his personal security and people gathered there tried to enter the theatre with him.
The case was registered at Chikkadpally Police Station on December 5 on a complaint by the woman’s husband.
Got interim bail from Telangana High Court Grants Interim Bail To Allu For 4 Weeks In Stampede Case
The Telangana High Court on Friday (December 13) granted interim bail for four weeks to actor Allu Arjun who had sought quashing of FIR in connection with a stampede which occurred outside a cinema hall in Hyderabad last week when the actor had an unscheduled visit, in which one woman also died.
Telugu actor Allu Arjun on Friday was arrested in connection with the death of a woman during a stampede-like situation at the premiere of his latest movie ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ on December 4 in Hyderabad.
HE WAS GOT JUDICIAL COUSTODY FOR 14 DAYS
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