Archive · 13 Sep 2025
Indian Court Rules Domestic Violence Act Covers Abuse Abroad
Imagine a woman who was hurt by her husband while living in another country.
A court in India has said that she can still get help from Indian law, even though the bad things happened far away.
The court decided that the law protecting women from violence can help anyone who lives in India, no matter where they come from or if they have special cards.
The court also ordered the husband to pay money to his wife to help her.
This ruling means women can come back to India and get legal help here for the abuse they suffered, even if it happened in a different country.
Also, the court pointed out that even if a woman is highly educated, she still needs time to find a job and should get financial support after being a homemaker for years.
A Pune court ruled Indian courts have jurisdiction over domestic violence committed abroad.
The ruling applies to Indian-origin women, NRIs, OCIs, and foreigners residing in India.
The court cited Section 27(1)(a) of the DV Act regarding court jurisdiction based on residence.
Husband was ordered to pay Rs 1 lakh per month in interim maintenance to the wife.
The court protected the wife’s right to live in their shared household in Pune.
- Who
- The court in Pune, involving an Indian-origin woman and her husband (a US citizen).
- What
- Ruled that Indian courts have jurisdiction over domestic violence cases committed abroad under the DV Act.
- When
- August 28
- Where
- Pune, India, with abuse occurring primarily in the USA.
- Why
- To ensure that victims of domestic violence, regardless of where the abuse occurred or their citizenship status, can seek legal recourse in India.
- Court
- Judicial Magistrate First Class, Pune
- Act
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence (DV) Act, 2005
- Ruling Date
- August 28
- Interim Maintenance Ordered
- Rs 1 lakh per month
- Key Legal Principle
- DV Act protects all women residing in India, regardless of citizenship