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Predicted Questions with Model Answers
Q1 (5 marks — 50 words): What is "domestic violence" under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005? State its four forms.
Model Answer:
Under Section 3 of PWDVA 2005, domestic violence means any act, omission, or conduct causing harm to health, safety, life, or well-being. Four forms: (1) Physical abuse — bodily harm, assault; (2) Sexual abuse — forced intercourse, humiliating conduct; (3) Verbal/emotional abuse — threats, insults, ridicule; (4) Economic abuse — withholding financial resources, dispossessing of property, forcing out of shared household.
Word count: 51 words EN
Q2 (5 marks — 50 words): Explain the right to reside in shared household under PWDVA 2005 with reference to the Supreme Court's ruling in Satish Ahuja case.
Model Answer:
Section 17 PWDVA 2005 gives every woman in a domestic relationship the right to reside in the shared household, regardless of ownership or title. In Satish Ahuja v. Sneha Ahuja (2020), the Supreme Court held that the daughter-in-law retains this right even in a house owned solely by in-laws, overruling the narrower S.R. Batra (2006) judgment. She cannot be evicted without leave of the Magistrate.
Word count: 54 words EN
Q3 (5 marks — 50 words): What are the duties of a Protection Officer under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005?
Model Answer:
Under Section 9 PWDVA 2005, a Protection Officer must: (1) prepare the Domestic Incident Report and forward it to the Magistrate; (2) inform the aggrieved person of her legal rights; (3) provide legal aid, medical facilities, and shelter access; (4) maintain lists of Service Providers; (5) ensure compliance with Residence Orders. Failure to perform duties is punishable under Section 33 — imprisonment up to one year.
Word count: 52 words EN
Q4 (5 marks — 50 words): What orders can a Magistrate pass under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005? Name and briefly explain each.
Model Answer:
A Magistrate may pass five types of orders: (1) Protection Order (S.18) — prohibits respondent from committing/abetting domestic violence; (2) Residence Order (S.19) — secures woman's right in shared household; (3) Monetary Relief (S.20) — covers medical costs, lost wages, maintenance; (4) Custody Order (S.21) — interim custody of children; (5) Compensation Order (S.22) — damages for mental torture and emotional distress. All orders within 60 days of first hearing.
Word count: 55 words EN
Q5 (5 marks — 50 words): What is the significance of recognising live-in relationships under PWDVA 2005? Explain with reference to the definition of "domestic relationship."
Model Answer:
Section 2(f) PWDVA 2005 defines "domestic relationship" to include relationships "in the nature of marriage" — the first Indian law to protect live-in partners. The Supreme Court in Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma (2013) confirmed this extends protection to women in live-in arrangements. Significance: prevents exploitation of women outside formal marriage; ensures economic protection and right to reside even without a marriage certificate — critical given India's evolving family structures.
Word count: 53 words EN
Q6 (5 marks — 50 words): Explain the penalty provisions under Section 31 of PWDVA 2005 for breach of Protection Order.
Model Answer:
Under Section 31 PWDVA 2005, breach of a Protection Order or interim Protection Order by the respondent is a cognisable and non-bailable offence. Punishment: first conviction — imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to ₹20,000 or both; subsequent convictions — imprisonment up to 2 years. The criminal proceedings run simultaneously with civil proceedings and are independent of other charges under BNS/IPC. This dual mechanism — civil protection + criminal sanction — is the Act's enforcement backbone.
Word count: 52 words EN