What is a Monetary Relief Order under the Domestic Violence Act?

A Monetary Relief Order is a financial relief granted by a Magistrate under Section 20 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 to compensate an aggrieved woman for the expenses and losses suffered due to domestic violence. It may include loss of earnings, medical expenses, damage to property, and maintenance for the woman and her children. The relief must be fair, reasonable, and consistent with the standard of living of the aggrieved woman and may be awarded as a lump sum or monthly payments.

In the case of Rajnesh v. Neha (2020), the Supreme Court clarified that maintenance granted under the DV Act is in addition to maintenance that may be awarded under other laws, subject to appropriate adjustment to avoid duplication.