Husband Can't Be Asked To Pay Instalments For Under-Construction Flat Under DV Act, Not 'Shared Household': Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court has ruled that an under-construction flat can be considered a "shared household" for purposes of the Domestic Violence Act, even if the husband is paying installments. This significant decision expands the interpretation of "shared household," providing greater protection to women under the Domestic Violence Act. The court recognized that a property, though not fully constructed or exclusively owned, can still be a shared residence where the parties intend to live together. This ruling ensures that victims of domestic violence are not deprived of their right to residence simply because the property is under development or in the process of being acquired.