Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act: MP/MLA Court Can Hear Domestic Violence Cases Against Sitting Legislators, Holds Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has ruled that proceedings filed under Section 12 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 against a sitting Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) can validly continue before a designated MP/MLA Court. The Court clarified that such courts remain competent Magistrate Courts under law and can hear domestic violence cases even though the remedies sought are predominantly civil in nature. Background of the Dispute…