The Delhi High Court held that while the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 grants a daughter-in-law the right to residence, such protection cannot indefinitely suspend in-laws’ or senior citizens' right to live peacefully in their self-acquired property.
The Division Bench of Justice Anil Kshetarpal and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar upheld an order directing the daughter-in-law to vacate her in-laws’ home while granting her alternate accommodation with Rs. 65,000 monthly rent and related expenses.
The Court clarified that the DV Act ensures adequacy, not parity, of residence and that the right of protection cannot override the dignity and serenity of senior citizens.
