Domestic violence was recognized in 1983 as a specific criminal offence by the introduction of section 498-A into the Indian Penal Code. This section deals with cruelty by a husband or his family towards a married woman. Four types of cruelty are dealt with by this law:
1.conduct that is likely to drive a woman to suicide,
2.conduct which is likely to cause grave injury to the life, limb or health of the woman,
3.harassment with the purpose of forcing the woman or her relatives to give some property, or
4.harassment because the woman or her relatives is unable to yield to demands for more money or does not give
some property.
The punishment is imprisonment for up to three years and a fine.
The complaint against cruelty need not be lodged by the person herself. Any relative may also make the complaint on her behalf.
Hence, as per law of the land , your friend should get justice by following ways:-
-- She should file a complaint to the Crime Women Cell(CWC) of her area ,after narrating all the wrong happenings with her by the husband or his family members. The lady official of the CWC will try to reconcile the matter in dispute with the husband, If the matter got resolved by the husband or he not appear before the CWC , then the complaint given by your friend will convert into FIR under various section of IPC like 498A.
-- She should file a petition under Domestic violence Act before the court , where she can prayed for her interim maintenance and also accommodation etc from the court .
--- She should file a complaint under section 125 crpc in the family court for her or child maintenance . Here the court will fix interim maintenance amount till the disposal of the case.
The filing of the case or legal steps taken by her not amounting to divorce . If she wanted to continue with the husband during the trial in the court , the court will settle the matter in her favour as well .
-- Tell her to keep medical papers or other proofs of cruelty , if possible with her ,as it would speed the relief in her support.
Good luck and dont forget to positive Rating ,