You are currently viewing #MENTOO! THE PRICE OF BEING A HUSBAND – WHEN LEGAL SYSTEMS TURN A BLIND EYE

#MENTOO! THE PRICE OF BEING A HUSBAND – WHEN LEGAL SYSTEMS TURN A BLIND EYE

India’s middle class has long been the backbone of its economy and society, a group that endures silently under the weight of responsibilities and expectations. However, when a 34-year-old tech professional Atul Subhash, a man with immense potential, is driven to take his own life, it forces us to confront a deeply unsettling truth – our legal system, designed to deliver justice, is often weaponised to destroy innocent lives.

Atul Subhash’s tragic demise in Bengaluru is not just an individual story—it’s a reflection of the systemic flaws in how certain laws are applied. His 24-page note, allegedly detailing harassment by his wife, her relatives, and even a judge, highlights the grave misuse of legal provisions like those meant to address dowry harassment and domestic abuse. Originally created to safeguard women against genuine atrocities, these laws are increasingly being manipulated as tools of extortion and revenge, with devastating consequences for men and their families.

A Legal System Tilted Against Men

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 498A, for instance, was enacted with noble intentions – to protect women from cruelty and abuse in marital relationships. Yet, its implementation has often veered far from its purpose. Studies and data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveal that a significant percentage of cases filed under 498A are found to be baseless or result in acquittals, but not before the accused suffer irreparable damage to their reputation, finances, and mental health.

For men like Atul, these legal battles are not just about proving innocence—they become a labyrinth of endless hearings, societal stigma, and financial ruin. The system assumes guilt until proven innocent, leaving accused men and their families vulnerable to relentless harassment. When such laws are misused, they undermine the genuine cases of abuse that desperately need attention.

Marital Issues and the Broken Justice Mechanism

Atul’s case also sheds light on the inadequate support systems for men in distress. The societal narrative has long been skewed – men are expected to endure silently, even as they grapple with emotional and psychological abuse. Despite rising cases of male suicides linked to marital discord, there is little acknowledgment or action to address this silent epidemic.

In Atul’s note, the mention of a judge allegedly being complicit adds another layer of concern. If judicial bias or corruption is indeed at play, it erodes the very foundation of justice and trust. For a common man, fighting against such entrenched power structures is nothing short of impossible.

The Way Forward – Reform and Balance

It is time for India to rethink its approach to gender-based laws and legal systems. Justice cannot and should not be a one-way street. Here are some essential steps to address the issue:

1. Stringent Penalties for False Cases: There should be strict penalties for individuals found guilty of filing false cases. This will act as a deterrent against misuse while ensuring that genuine victims are not overshadowed.

2. Gender-Neutral Laws: The legal framework must recognise that abuse is not gender-specific. Both men and women can be victims, and the laws must reflect this reality.

3. Mental Health Support for Men: Society needs to dismantle the toxic expectations that men must always “man up” and not show vulnerability. Dedicated helplines, counselling services, and awareness campaigns can make a significant difference.

4. Judicial Accountability: Allegations of judicial misconduct, as cited in Atul’s case, must be independently investigated to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.

5. Speedy Resolution of Marital Disputes: Prolonged legal battles exacerbate mental and financial strain. Special fast-track courts for marital disputes can ensure quicker resolutions and reduce the burden on individuals.

 

A Call for Justice

Atul’s death is a chilling reminder of how the misuse of laws and a biased legal system can devastate lives. His family’s plea for justice should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, legal professionals, and society at large.

Laws are meant to protect the vulnerable and deliver justice—not become tools of oppression. It’s time we address the imbalance and ensure that fairness and accountability prevail. After all, justice for one should not come at the cost of injustice to another.

Let Atul’s story spark the reform we so desperately need. It’s not just about justice for him—it’s about preventing countless others from meeting the same fate.

Middle Class Hub

MIDDLE CLASS HUB YOUR VOICE. YOUR PLATFORM. YOUR WORLD. Middle Class Hub is India’s first platform exclusively for the middle class Middle Class Hub is the voice of the middle class We champion the cause of the middle class