Section 31 Of Domestic Violence Act Only Applies To Breach Of Protection Orders, Not Others Such As Maintenance Or Residence Orders: Himachal Pradesh High Court

In a significant clarification, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that Section 31 of the Domestic Violence Act (penalizing breach of protection orders) applies only to violations of court-directed safeguards—not general domestic disputes. The court prevented the provision’s misuse against family members in trivial altercations, stressing that criminal consequences require strict compliance with judicial orders. This interpretation narrows the scope of Section 31 while preserving its intent: to protect genuine victims of domestic abuse. The judgment promotes legal precision in handling DV cases, deterring frivolous litigation.