In Brief
The Supreme Court held that a woman who is not legally wedded but in a domestic relationship can seek maintenance and relief under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, even if she is ineligible under Section 125 of the CrPC. The Court emphasized that the DVC Act recognizes economic abuse (deprivation of financial resources and household necessities) as domestic violence and offers broader remedies, including shared household rights, compared to criminal procedure maintenance provisions. The Court disposed of the appeal, directing the appellant to approach the appropriate Forum under the DVC Act.
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