Unscrambling the Images

The chapter presents the underlying idea behind this volume and serves as an introduction to domestic violence and the law in India. Tracing the history of laws addressing domestic violence both as a crime and a civil wrong, the author explains how the collection of essays in this volume evaluate some of the essential concepts that shaped the framing of the PWDVA and its treatment in the hands of judges. Providing insights into the challenges faced in drafting and enforcement of the PWDVA, such as inclusion of women in ‘relationships in the nature of marriage’ and unique provisions such as the ‘right to residence’, the author discusses the extent to which PWDVA has succeeded in fulfilling its purpose and areas of enforcement that remain a challenge even after a decade.