A Bareilly court sentenced Manoj to life imprisonment for starving his wife, Mamta, to death in 2021 after a domestic quarrel. He locked her in a room without food or water for a week. The ruling emphasizes the severity of domestic violence and aims to protect women’s rights, providing justice for Mamta’s family.
Kerala: The Kerala High Court has ruled that forcing a wife to leave her job and depriving her of income is a form of “economic abuse” under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act). Justice G. Girish, who delivered the verdict, upheld the decision of the Additional Sessions Court, Kottayam, which awarded maintenance of Rs.5,000 per month to the wife.
Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Dhananjay Munde, has approached the Mumbai Sessions Court to challenge an interim order issued by the Bandra Magistrate Court. The order directed him to pay maintenance to Karuna Munde, a woman who claims to be his first wife. During the hearing on Friday, Karuna Munde’s lawyer requested additional time to submit a reply opposing Dhananjay Munde’s appeal.
Today, On 7th February, The Supreme Court ruled that relatives of an accused cannot be implicated in domestic violence cases under Section 498A simply for not assisting the victim. The Court emphasized that complaints and charges must be specific against each accused family member. It stated that vague or general allegations are not sufficient for prosecution. This decision aims to prevent misuse of the law and ensure fairness in such cases.
The Delhi High Court emphasized the importance of gender neutrality in ensuring a fair justice system. It highlighted that fairness in law should apply to everyone, regardless of gender. The court stressed that societal biases and stereotypes often harm victims, especially in cases like domestic violence. Justice must be equal and unbiased for true equality.
Misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) took center stage in a contentious ruling by the Supreme Court of India in X v. Telangana State and Another (2024 INSC 953), delivered at the year’s end. The judgment sparked debate with its observations, suggesting that some wives exploit this provision as a tool for personal vendetta against their husbands and their families.