Compensation for domestic violence – Section 22 of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – If it would relate to degree of domestic violence or financial status of the guilty party

The consideration of standard of living of the parties can be relevant for determination of maintenance under Section 20 of the DV Act.

However, the question is whether the compensation under Section 22 is relatable to the damages, injuries including mental torture, emotional distress caused by the act of the spouse and cannot relate to the standard of living of the parties. 

In this case, the compensation under Section 22 was quantified at Rs.3 crores and this was upheld by the High Court.

SLP (Criminal) No.5587 of 2024 (arising out of the judgment dated 22.3.2024 in Criminal RA No. 234 of 2024 of the High Court of Bombay.