Laws and Claws: How Misuse of Women-Centric Laws Is Pushing Men to the Brink
In India, where family and tradition reign supreme, marriage is often seen as sacred. But for many men, this sacred bond has turned into a legal nightmare.
Laws meant to protect women from genuine cruelty have, in several cases, been weaponized to settle scores, extort money, or simply exact revenge. The Indian Penal Code’s Section 498A and similar provisions are increasingly being used not as shields but as swords, turning men and their families into collateral damage.
Laws Meant to Protect, But Now Suspect
Let’s start with Section 498A, the law that criminalizes cruelty toward a married woman. When introduced in 1983, it was revolutionary—a bold move to address the pervasive issue of dowry harassment. Fast forward to today, and it has become one of the most misused laws in the country.
According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 1.5 lakh cases were registered under Section 498A in 2021 alone. Of these, more than 80% resulted in acquittals or were found to be false, leaving countless lives ruined by mere allegations. Imagine being labeled a criminal without a trial, all because someone decided to weaponize the law.
Take the case of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash, who tragically died by suicide in December 2024. Subhash was embroiled in a bitter divorce and child custody battle, with multiple cases filed against him, including demands for exorbitant alimony. In his 24-page suicide note, he alleged relentless harassment by his wife and her family. Subhash’s story isn’t an isolated incident—it’s a chilling reminder of how these laws, when misused, can push people to their breaking point.
The Judiciary: Gatekeepers or Gatecrashers?
The judiciary has often acknowledged the misuse of these laws. In the Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar judgment, the Supreme Court mandated that police conduct a preliminary investigation before making arrests under Section 498A. Yet, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Police officers often arrest entire families based on unverified complaints, as though they’re auditioning for a new season of Crime Patrol.
Then there’s the Rajesh Sharma judgment of 2017, which proposed the formation of Family Welfare Committees to screen complaints before any legal action. While noble in intent, these committees have been mired in delays, inefficiency, and inconsistency. The judiciary’s well-meaning guidelines often feel like traffic rules in India—great on paper, but largely ignored.
The result? Innocent men and their families—elderly parents, siblings, even minor children—are dragged into lengthy court battles. A single false accusation can tarnish reputations, drain bank accounts, and destroy peace of mind.
Dear Lawmakers: Are We Fixing Problems or Multiplying Them?
Despite the glaring evidence of misuse, lawmakers have been frustratingly slow to act. Why hasn’t Section 498A been made compoundable (allowing parties to settle disputes amicably)? Why is there no provision to penalize those who file false complaints? These aren’t rhetorical questions—they’re cries for reform.
In a country where over 71% of suicides are committed by men, according to NCRB data, family problems and marital disputes are leading causes. When men are pushed to their limits by false cases, it’s not just a legal issue; it’s a societal failure.
Take, for example, the case of Puneet Khurana, a Delhi café owner who ended his life in January 2025. In a video recorded before his death, Puneet alleged harassment by his wife and her family, accusing them of making false demands for money. His family’s heartbreak is a stark reminder of how these laws, when misused, can have fatal consequences.
A Message to Women: Misuse Damages Everyone
Ladies, let’s have a heart-to-heart. The laws designed to protect you are vital. They were created because real women face real harassment and abuse. But when you misuse these laws, you’re not just hurting your husband—you’re damaging the credibility of every genuine victim.
Imagine crying wolf in a village. The first few times, people might rush to help. But eventually, they stop believing. That’s exactly what happens when false cases flood the legal system. Genuine survivors of abuse find it harder to get justice because the system becomes skeptical of every complaint.
If you’re thinking of using Section 498A as a weapon in a marital spat, think again. Justice isn’t a personal tool for revenge—it’s a societal responsibility.
For Men on the Brink: Help Is Available
To the men reading this who feel trapped, remember: you’re not alone. Organizations like the Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF) offer support, legal advice, and a safe space to share your experiences.
If you’re struggling, reach out to helplines like:
AASRA (+91-9820466726)
Vandrevala Foundation (+91-9999666555)
You are more than your circumstances, and there’s always a way forward.
Conclusion: Fix the System, Save Lives
The misuse of laws like Section 498A isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a moral and societal crisis. Policymakers need to step up and implement reforms: make these laws gender-neutral, introduce penalties for false cases, and ensure that justice is swift and fair.
Until then, we’re stuck in a system where the innocent suffer, the guilty exploit loopholes, and justice moves at a snail’s pace. It’s time for a change. After all, laws should protect people, not destroy them.
