Singer Sapna Choudhary gets protection order, husband barred from contacting her

The Dwarka Mahila Court in New Delhi has granted interim protection to singer Sapna Choudhary under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act ahead of the premiere of her upcoming film Momacu. The court has restrained her husband, Yashveer Sahu, from approaching or contacting her and from visiting her residence, workplace or the film premiere venue until the next hearing.

The matter came up after Choudhary's application before the Mahila court, stating that her husband had repeatedly assaulted her and created unpleasant scenes in public. She earlier told the court that she left their shared home and filed a domestic violence complaint.

The order was passed after the court considered documentary evidence and concerns related to the petitioner's safety and professional commitments. The 35-year-old is scheduled to make several public appearances connected to the film, whose premiere is set for June 10.

The relief was secured after detailed arguments by Advocate Preeti Singh, counsel for Choudhary.

In a statement to the press, Singh said, "The interim protection granted by the learned Court under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act in favour of my client against her husband underscores the object of the law- to provide immediate protection where circumstances warrant. As the matter is sub judice, we will refrain from commenting on the merits and have full faith in the judicial process."

Singh further argued that there were "serious apprehensions of repetition of such acts."

The application also said there was a "grave apprehension that respondent will create a hindrance" at the June 10 film premiere "by threatening, assaulting and creating a public scene to malign the reputation of petitioner."

What exactly did the court say?

Taking note of medical evidence of injuries, photographs of the injuries allegedly caused by Sahu and recordings of threats allegedly made by him, the Mahila Court on Tuesday passed an order restraining the husband from "approaching the petitioner in any manner till the next date of hearing".

The court further directed that, "Respondent is restrained from contacting the petitioner in any manner or visiting her place of residence or work (temporary or permanent, including the venue of the premiere of the movie as stated above) and committing any act of domestic violence till the next date of hearing."

Judicial Magistrate Nidhi Singh also directed the concerned protection officer and the area SHO to ensure that a copy of the order is given to the husband and that all assistance and protection are provided to the singer. The court has issued summons to the husband to appear in the domestic violence case, which is now scheduled to be heard on July 25.

Choudhary, a well-known Haryanvi singer, dancer and actor, had left the marital home with her two minor children after repeated instances of violence by her husband, according to the case record placed before the court. She also participated in reality shows like Bigg Boss 11 and The 50.