Protection order
Added Last checked against India Code
An order of the Magistrate under Section 18 of the DV Act, 2005 forbidding the respondent from committing or helping domestic violence, contacting the woman, or taking joint assets. Breach is a crime.
- Law
- Section 18, DV Act
- Urgent cases
- Interim or ex parte order (Section 23)
- Breach
- Up to 1 year, fine up to Rs 20,000, or both
What brings you here?
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I am facing violence at home
If you are in danger now, call 112. For help, shelter or counselling, call the Women Helpline on 181. You are entitled to free legal aid: call 15100.
I have received a notice under the DV Act
Read any order carefully and follow it while the case runs. Breaking a protection order is an offence even if you dispute the case.
I am a law student or judiciary aspirant
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What it means
A protection order is an order the Magistrate can pass under Section 18 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 once satisfied, on a first look at the facts, that domestic violence has taken place or is likely to.
It can forbid the respondent from committing domestic violence or helping anyone commit it, from entering the woman's workplace or a child's school, from trying to communicate with her in any form, from selling or using joint assets or bank accounts, and from harming her relatives or dependants.
The Magistrate can pass an interim or ex parte order where the application shows a need for immediate protection.
The law
| Current provision | Replaced |
|---|---|
| Section 18, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005Protection orders | Still in force; not renumbered |
| Section 23, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005Power to grant interim and ex parte orders | Still in force; not renumbered |
| Sections 31 and 32, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005Penalty for breach; offence cognizable and non-bailable | Still in force; not renumbered |
When it matters
- Abuse, threats or harassment are continuing in a shared household or after separation.
- The respondent is calling, messaging or turning up at the woman's workplace.
- There is a risk that joint savings, jewellery or property will be moved or sold.
Example
After a woman moves to her sister's home, her husband keeps calling her office and has tried to withdraw money from their joint account. The Magistrate passes an ex parte interim protection order barring contact and any operation of the joint account until the next hearing.
Watch out for
- Breaching a protection order is an offence punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to Rs 20,000, or both. It is cognizable and non-bailable, so the police can arrest without a warrant.
- Keep certified copies with you and give one to the local police station. Police act faster when the order is in front of them.
- A protection order can be combined in the same case with residence, monetary relief, custody and compensation orders.
Need help with a case?
A lawyer can file your application and ask for urgent orders. Free legal aid is also available on 15100.
Named in a DV case?
Speak to a lawyer before the first hearing.
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Last checked against the official text on India Code on 6 Nov 2026. This is general information on Indian law, not legal advice for your situation. Laws and court rulings change; a lawyer can tell you how they apply to your facts.