• REKHA V

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) was enacted to provide effective civil remedies for victims of domestic abuse, ensuring protection, residence rights, and monetary relief, including maintenance. The impact of the PWDVA on maintenance claims by analyzing its interplay with existing maintenance provisions under personal laws and secular statutes such as Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, and the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986. The study explores judicial interpretations that have shaped the scope of maintenance under the PWDVA, highlighting landmark cases that have expanded or restricted its application. A key area of analysis is whether the Act provides a more effective remedy for economically dependent women or if it overlaps with pre-existing maintenance laws, leading to legal complexities. The paper also discusses procedural challenges in enforcing maintenance orders under the Act and evaluates whether the PWDVA has enhanced financial security for victims or merely added another legal avenue with similar outcomes. Through a comparative approach, the study incorporates perspectives from international jurisdictions on similar legal frameworks. Further, the paper critically examines recent amendments, judicial trends, and policy recommendations to improve the effectiveness of maintenance claims under the Act. The study concludes by suggesting reforms to ensure that women receive timely and adequate financial support, thereby fulfilling the intended objective of the PWDVA.

Domestic Violence Act, Maintenance Claims, Judicial Interpretation, Women’s Rights, Financial Support

"IMPACT OF THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 2005 ON MAINTENANCE CLAIMS- A CRITICAL STUDY", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no.a374-a390, February-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502047.pdf

"IMPACT OF THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 2005 ON MAINTENANCE CLAIMS- A CRITICAL STUDY", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 2, page no. ppa374-a390, February-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2502047.pdf