Men Face False Dowry, Domestic Violence Cases: PIL in Supreme Court

New Delhi- A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking protection for married men against "false" dowry and domestic violence cases, following the recent death of an automobile company executive in Bengaluru. The PIL, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, argues that existing laws meant to protect women are being misused for illegal demands and to harass husbands and their families.

The petition cites the case of Atul Subhash, 34, who died by suicide in Bengaluru after allegedly facing harassment from his wife and her family over dowry demands. Subhash, an AI engineer, left behind a 90-minute video and a 40-page death note detailing his ordeal.

The PIL contends that laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act and Section 498A of the IPC, which are intended to safeguard women from dowry harassment, are often weaponized to settle personal disputes between spouses. It highlights the growing number of men falsely implicated in such cases and the tragic consequences it brings, including suicides.

"This is not only about one Atul Subhash but there have been lakhs of men who have committed suicide because of multiple cases showered upon them by their wives," the petition states. It argues that the misuse of these laws is defeating their original purpose and raising concerns about the justice system's treatment of men in divorce and child custody cases.

The development has ignited national outrage and debate over men's rights in divorce and child custody cases. The PIL seeks directions from the Supreme Court to establish an expert committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to review and reform existing dowry and domestic violence laws. The committee is tasked with providing recommendations to prevent the misuse of these laws.

Furthermore, the petition proposes that couples be required to submit a detailed list of gifts and money exchanged during their marriage along with their marriage registration application. This record would be attached to the marriage certificate.