Justice served with empathy—and a firm message to affluent abusers
Mumbai’s sessions court has delivered a powerful verdict in a domestic violence case, increasing the compensation awarded to a woman from ₹5 lakh to a whopping ₹1 crore. The reason? Her husband and in-laws are “crorepatis” (millionaires), and their wealth made the original amount feel grossly inadequate.
A Harrowing Journey
The couple got married back in December 1997. According to the wife, the abuse began almost immediately—physical violence, cruel taunts, economic deprivation, and relentless threats, continuing unabated until November 2016, when she finally approached the court under the Domestic Violence Act.
Why the Hike in Compensation?
The husband and his family enjoy a privileged lifestyle—owning businesses (including an elevator company), multiple flats in Mumbai, a bungalow in Kharghar, properties in Lonavala, and a factory in Navi Mumbai. The court found no evidence of financial distress. In fact, the family spent over ₹1 crore on property back in 2012, proving their financial muscle.
Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Ansari explained that the original ₹5 lakh award was “too meagre” given 20 years of sustained cruelty, economic abuse, and loss of dignity
Extended Relief
That’s not all—the court also increased monthly maintenance from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh for the wife and their minor daughter, acknowledging their right to enjoy a standard of living comparable to the husband and his family. Plus, the court prohibited the husband and in-laws from evicting the wife and her daughter from their shared home
A Firm Message
Judge Ansari emphasized that wealth cannot shield abusive behavior. On the contrary, the abuser’s financial standing should enable them to offer adequate recompense. Interestingly, when the husband argued that the wife’s education (she’s a textile engineer) should reduce his financial obligation, the court rejected the claim. Even earning potential doesn’t nullify the right to maintenance and justice
Why This Matters
- For survivors: Strong precedent showing courts are willing to award substantial compensation in long-term abuse cases, especially when perpetrators are affluent.
- For abusers: A stark warning—wealth won’t shield you from accountability.
- For society: Emphasizes the need for economic justice, not just physical protection, in domestic violence cases.
