What it means (brief): Wife claims physical/mental/financial/emotional abuse and seeks protection, residence, or maintenance.
Stages:

  1. Complaint filed in Magistrate Court.
  2. Court issues notice/summons to husband.
  3. Husband files Written Statement (WS).
  4. Court may pass interim orders (maintenance, protection, residence).
  5. Evidence stage (both sides present).
  6. Cross-examination of witnesses.
  7. Final order by Magistrate.
  8. Execution of orders (if granted) and appeal (if any).