Section 145 – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS) – Procedure.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) – Section 145

Code:

This section deals with the jurisdiction of the court in proceedings under section 144. It outlines where such proceedings can be initiated and the procedures for evidence collection and decision-making.

• Jurisdiction for Proceedings:
  • Proceedings under section 144 may be initiated against any person in any district: (a) Where he is, or
    (b) Where he or his wife resides, or
    (c) Where he last resided with his wife, or, as the case may be, with the mother of his illegitimate child.
• Taking of Evidence:
  • All evidence in such proceedings shall be taken in the presence of the person against whom an order for payment of maintenance is proposed to be made, or, if his personal attendance is dispensed with, in the presence of his pleader. The evidence shall be recorded in the manner prescribed for summons-cases.
  • Proviso: If the Judicial Magistrate is satisfied that the person against whom an order for payment of maintenance is proposed is wilfully avoiding service or neglecting to attend Court, the Magistrate may proceed to hear and determine the case ex parte. Any order so made may be set aside for good cause shown, provided an application is made within three months from the date of the order. The setting aside of such an order may be subject to terms, including costs payable to the opposite party, as the Magistrate deems just and proper.
• Power to Award Costs:
  • The Court, in dealing with applications under section 144, shall have the power to make such orders as to costs as it deems just.

Explanation:

This section specifies the geographic jurisdiction for initiating proceedings under Section 144, which pertains to maintenance orders. It also details the procedural requirements for evidence gathering and decision-making.

• Jurisdiction: Proceedings under Section 144 can be initiated in any district where:
  • The person against whom the order is sought resides.
  • Their wife resides.
  • They last resided with their wife.
  • They last resided with the mother of their illegitimate child (if applicable).
• Evidence Collection: All evidence must be presented in the presence of the person against whom the order is sought, or their legal representative. This evidence must be recorded in a manner prescribed for summons-cases.
• Ex-Parte Proceedings: If the court finds that the person is deliberately avoiding service or refusing to appear, it can proceed with the case ex-parte. However, any order made in such a case can be overturned within three months if the person can demonstrate a valid reason for their absence.
• Cost Orders: The court has the power to order payment of costs in applications under Section 144, as it deems just.

Illustration:

A woman residing in Delhi seeks maintenance from her husband who lives in Mumbai. The proceedings can be initiated in either Delhi or Mumbai, as the husband resides in Mumbai and the wife resides in Delhi. The court will ensure that all evidence is presented in the presence of the husband or his legal representative.

Common Questions and Answers:

Q: Can maintenance proceedings be initiated in a district where neither the husband nor the wife resides?
A: No, the proceedings can only be initiated in a district where either the husband or the wife resides, or where they last resided together.

Q: Can the court proceed with the case ex-parte if the husband is unavailable due to a genuine reason?
A: No, the court can only proceed ex-parte if it is satisfied that the husband is deliberately avoiding service or refusing to appear.

Q: What are the consequences of an ex-parte order?
A: The order can be set aside within three months if the husband can demonstrate a valid reason for their absence.