Living Together in Shared Household in a Relationship 'In Nature Of Marriage' Falls under DV Act

The Delhi High Court overturned a Trial Court’s dismissal of a woman’s complaint under Section 12 of the DV Act, 2005, emphasizing that a relationship in the "nature of marriage" qualifies as a domestic relationship under Section 2(f).

The petitioner claimed cruel treatment by her partner’s family and her partner and stated that they entered into a “Friendship Agreement.”

All allegations were dismissed by the  Respondent but the High Court restored the complaint for consideration noting that establishing such claims would be difficult and evidence was needed.

The Bench pointed out that the condition of the domestic relationship was fulfilled because the parties had lived in a shared household for seven years.