The new Domestic Violence Act (DVA) has made some significant improvementsover the existing laws but it is not as if prior to this Act civil laws did notexist to protect women’s rights in the family. Astute and determined lawyershave successfully pleaded and got adequate relief for their female clients underthe existing matrimonial, civil and criminal laws as the article by Flavia Agnesdemonstrates. But, the tardiness of court procedures and judicial bias oftenresulted in miscarriage of justice.