Domestic Violence Our Best Services Divorce By Mutual Consent Mutual Consent Divorce Contested Divorce Divorce Maintenance Judicial Separation Domestic Violence Child Custody
Get In Touch
Explore our developer-friendly HTML to PDF API
Printed using PDFCrowd
HTML to PDF
Phone Number +91 9891515860
Email Address
[email protected]
Office Location
B-533, 1st Floor, Nehru Ground, N.I.T. Faridabad
Domestic Violence
Explore our developer-friendly HTML to PDF API
Printed using PDFCrowd
HTML to PDF
Explore our developer-friendly HTML to PDF API
Printed using PDFCrowd
HTML to PDF
Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse within domestic or intimate relationships. With the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, India has updated its criminal code, replacing parts of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Key Criminal Provisions under BNS Related to Domestic Violence
1. Section 85 – Cruelty by Husband or Relatives
Definition: Cruelty (physical or mental) inflicted on a woman by her husband or inlaws. Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment and fine. Nature: Cognizable and non-bailable.
2. Section 86 – Definition of Cruelty Provides detailed explanation of what constitutes “cruelty” (e.g., dowry harassment, mental torture).
3. Section 73 – Dowry Death
Applies when: A woman dies within 7 years of marriage under suspicious conditions after dowry harassment. Punishment: Minimum 7 years, extendable to life imprisonment. Nature: Cognizable and non-bailable.
4. Section 82 – Bigamy
Offense: Marrying again during the lifetime of a spouse, with or without disclosure. Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment and fine.
5. Section 63 – Rape
Note: Marital rape is not criminalized unless the wife is under 18 years old. Punishment: Minimum 10 years to life imprisonment.
Civil Protection under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) provides civil remedies such as: Protection Orders (restraining the abuser) Residence Orders (right to reside in shared household) Monetary Relief (compensation for expenses and losses) Custody Orders (protection of children) Counseling and Mediation Explore our developer-friendly HTML to PDF API
Printed using PDFCrowd
HTML to PDF
This law applies to wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, widows, and live-in partners.
Summary Table of Relevant BNS Sections BNS Section
Offense
IPC Equivalent
Punishment
Section 85
Cruelty by husband or relatives
IPC 498-A
Up to 3 years + fine
Section 86
Cruelty defined
Explanation to IPC 498-A
Defines cruelty types
Section 73
Dowry death
IPC 304-B
7 years to life
Section 82
Bigamy
IPC 494/495
Up to 7 years + fine
Section 63
Rape (with exception for wife over 18)
IPC 375/376
10 years to life
Need Legal Help? If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence: Contact local police or Protection Officer File a complaint under BNS or seek civil remedies under PWDVA Reach out to NGOs or Legal Services Authorities for free support
Explore our developer-friendly HTML to PDF API
Printed using PDFCrowd
HTML to PDF