Section 31 DV Act Applies Only to Protection Orders, Not Maintenance or Residence Orders: Himachal Pradesh HC

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has held that Section 31 of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, applies only to breaches of protection orders under Section 18, not to non-compliance with maintenance, compensation, or residence orders under Sections 19 and 20.

Akshay Thakur (petitioner) had sought quashing of an FIR lodged by his wife under Section 31 for allegedly violating such monetary and residential orders.

The Court emphasised strict interpretation of criminal statutes, stating that no additional liability can be inferred beyond the statute.

Citing Vidarbha Industries v. Axis Bank, the Court quashed the FIR and allowed the petition.