Supreme Court: High Courts Can Quash DV Act Proceedings Under Section 482 CrPC

The Supreme Court held that High Courts have the jurisdiction under Section 482 of the CrPC to quash proceedings initiated under Section 12(1) of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

The Court emphasized that the DV Act is a welfare legislation aimed at protecting women from domestic abuse, and therefore, quashing should only occur in cases of gross illegality or misuse of process.

The court also acknowledged the need for judicial humility by correcting earlier conflicting views on the matter, reinforcing that judges, too, are part of a continuous learning process.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2025.