Consider the following statements: 1. The Judges (Inquiry) Bill 2006 contemplates to establish a Judicial Council which will receive complaints against Judges of the Supreme Court including the Chief Justice of India, High Court Chief Justices and Judges. 2. Under the Protection of women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, a woman can file a petition before a 1st Class Judicial Magistrate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Option 2.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006, proposed the establishment of a National Judicial Council to investigate complaints against judges. However, it specifically excluded the Chief Justice of India from its purview to maintain the independence and dignity of the office. Since the statement claims the CJI is included, it is factually wrong.

Statement 2 is correct: Under Section 12 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, an aggrieved person or a Protection Officer can file an application for seeking relief before a Magistrate. The Act defines "Magistrate" as a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class (or a Metropolitan Magistrate) exercising jurisdiction in the area where the person resides or the incident occurred. This provision ensures legal protection and immediate relief for victims of domestic abuse through the lower judiciary.