The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

In one line

What this Act says

Civil law that protects women from physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse in a domestic relationship — even live-in partners count.

• Breach of a protection order by the respondent

  §31

  Imprisonment up to 1 year and/or fine up to ₹20,000 (cognizable and non-bailable).

• Failure of Protection Officer to discharge duty

  §33–34

  Imprisonment up to 1 year and/or fine up to ₹20,000 (with prior sanction of the State Government).

• Domestic violence (substantive)

  §18–22

  Court can pass protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody and compensation orders.

Headline offences only — not exhaustive. For the full text and every section, open the source PDF or the official link below.

Maximum punishments as prescribed by the Act. Actual sentencing depends on facts, prior convictions and judicial discretion.

Sources

Read the Act yourself

We always show you the local source PDF and at least one verifiable online reference, so you can check anything we say.