Domestic Violence Lawyer in Delhi

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 gives women quick civil remedies — protection, residence, monetary relief and custody — through the Magistrate’s court. As a domestic violence lawyer in Delhi, Advocate Shubham Mehta files and defends applications under Section 12 of the Act, and handles related maintenance, divorce and criminal proceedings.

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Key takeaways

Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse.
Applications are filed before the Magistrate under Section 12, often with the help of a Protection Officer.
A woman has a right to reside in the shared household, which can include the in-laws’ home (Satish Chander Ahuja v. Sneha Ahuja, 2020).
Breach of a protection order is an offence under Section 31 of the Act.

Reliefs available under the PWDV Act

Section	Relief
Section 18	Protection order — stopping violence, contact or alienation of assets
Section 19	Residence order — right to stay in the shared household
Section 20	Monetary relief — maintenance, medical expenses, loss of earnings
Section 21	Temporary custody of children
Section 22	Compensation for injuries, including mental torture
Section 23	Interim and ex parte orders in urgent cases

How a domestic violence case proceeds

Domestic Incident Report — may be prepared by the Protection Officer.
Application under Section 12 — filed before the Metropolitan Magistrate.
Interim relief — the court may pass urgent orders on protection, residence or maintenance.
Reply and evidence — the respondent files a reply; evidence may be by affidavit.
Final order — reliefs granted or refused; appeal lies to the Sessions Court under Section 29.

For respondents

A domestic violence case is civil in nature, but disobeying court orders is a criminal offence. Respondents should file a detailed reply supported by documents, comply with interim orders, and consider whether mediation or a comprehensive settlement with divorce is appropriate.

Working with a domestic violence lawyer in Delhi: what to expect

Your matter is reviewed by Advocate Shubham Mehta, who explains the legal position, the realistic options and the likely timeline in plain language before any step is taken. Choosing a domestic violence lawyer in Delhi who practises regularly before the court that will hear your case helps you understand how that court approaches similar matters.

A clear explanation of your legal position and recommended next steps.
Drafts shared with you for review before anything is filed.
Hearing dates, updates and copies of orders communicated promptly.
Confidential handling of your documents and information.

Legal fees and costs

Fees depend on the nature and stage of the matter, the court or forum, the volume of documents and the number of hearings expected. The fee structure is explained in writing at the start of the engagement. Apart from professional fees, DV cases involve minimal court fees, charges for certified copies of orders, and costs of obtaining medical and financial records.

Areas we serve in Delhi

Our chamber inside the Rohini Court complex and our office at Kayan Vihar are convenient for clients in Rohini, Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, Ashok Vihar, Prashant Vihar, Model Town, Paschim Vihar, Narela, Bawana and nearby areas of North and North-West Delhi. We also act for clients from across Delhi NCR and, by phone or video consultation, for clients outside Delhi who need a domestic violence lawyer in Delhi.

Useful official resources

India Code — official texts of central Acts, including the BNS, BNSS and BSA
National Commission for Women — complaints and support for women
Delhi State Legal Services Authority — mediation and free legal aid

Frequently asked questions

Who can file a domestic violence case?

A woman who is or has been in a domestic relationship with the respondent — as a wife, a woman in a relationship in the nature of marriage, a mother, sister or daughter — and has faced domestic violence, can file an application under Section 12 of the PWDV Act.

Can a DV case be filed against the husband’s relatives?

Yes. The application can name the husband and his relatives, including female relatives, if specific acts of domestic violence are attributed to them. Courts discourage vague allegations against distant relatives with no specific role.

Is there a time limit to file a DV case?

There is no fixed limitation period for filing an application under Section 12. However, the acts complained of should relate to a domestic relationship, and delay may affect how the court views the urgency of relief.

Can I get the right to live in my matrimonial home?

Yes. Under Section 19, the court can pass a residence order protecting the woman’s right to stay in the shared household, even if she has no ownership interest. The Supreme Court has held that this can include property owned by the in-laws.

Can maintenance under the DV Act and Section 144 BNSS both be claimed?

Yes, but following Rajnesh v. Neha (2020), amounts awarded in one proceeding are taken into account in the other to avoid double recovery. Full disclosure of income and assets is required in all maintenance proceedings.

Is a DV case criminal?

Proceedings under the PWDV Act are primarily civil in nature and are heard by a Magistrate. However, breach of a protection order is punishable under Section 31, and related criminal complaints may also be filed separately.

Can a DV case be settled?

Yes. Parties can settle through mediation or as part of a mutual divorce, and the application can be withdrawn on the basis of the settlement. The terms should be recorded clearly so that all related cases end together.

Related services

Legal guides: What to do after getting an FIR in Delhi · How to file a civil suit in Delhi District Courts · All legal guides

Advocate Shubham Mehta, domestic violence lawyer in Delhi, SRLM Law Associates

Written and reviewed by Advocate Shubham Mehta
Advocate, Bar Council of Delhi (Enrl. No. D/6398/2021), and head of SRLM Law Associates. He practises before Rohini Courts, other Delhi District Courts, Family Courts, consumer commissions and the Delhi High Court. More about the firm

Speak to SRLM Law Associates

For advice specific to your situation, you may consult a qualified advocate. Advocate Shubham Mehta (Bar Council of Delhi, Enrl. No. D/6398/2021) and the SRLM Law Associates team can be reached at +91 99997 91419 or srlmlawassociates@gmail.com. Chamber: 1310, Lawyer’s Chamber Block, Rohini Courts, Delhi – 110085. Office: 250, Kayan Vihar, Delhi – 110033. Open daily, 9 am – 9 pm. See our Google reviews and directions.