Delhi High Court: Woman’s Right Of Residence Under PWDV Act Cannot Be At The Cost Of In-Laws’ Peace

The Delhi High Court ruled that a woman’s right to residence under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDV Act) does not entitle her to reside indefinitely in her in-laws’ home if it is self-acquired property and her husband no longer lives there. The Court observed that while the Act provides crucial safeguards to ensure protection and shelter for victims of domestic violence, these rights must be balanced against the property and privacy rights of other family members. It held that the “shared household” concept cannot extend to premises not belonging to or rented by the husband. The judgment underscores the necessity of balancing women’s protection laws with property ownership principles and promotes alternate accommodation remedies to ensure justice for all parties involved.