The tragic death of Subhash Atul, a 34-year-old techie from Bengaluru, has reignited concerns over the misuse of anti-dowry laws. Subhash, who died by suicide, alleged in a detailed suicide note that he had been subjected to harassment by his estranged wife and her family. According to the note, he had been falsely accused of murder, dowry harassment, and domestic violence, despite paying ₹2 lakh to his wife. The harassment escalated when his wife reportedly demanded ₹30 lakh to allow him to see his son, and an additional ₹3 crore settlement after their divorce.
Subhash’s suicide note included claims of forced gifts and physical and mental abuse, leading him to feel cornered and unable to escape the situation. The incident has brought renewed attention to the ways in which IPC Section 498A (dowry harassment) is often misused, with activists and legal experts criticizing the system’s bias towards women and the lack of support for men.
Abha Singh, a Mumbai-based lawyer, described the case as a “gross misuse of law,” stressing that while the dowry law was meant to protect women, its abuse could deprive genuine victims of justice. She also called for a case of abetment to suicide against Subhash’s wife and her relatives, claiming their actions directly contributed to his death.
Barkha Trehan, a men’s rights activist, highlighted the systemic failure, noting that many men suffer under the weight of false accusations, with no recourse or support. In response, the police have filed an FIR against four individuals, including Subhash’s wife, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle, charging them with extortion and harassment.
Subhash’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the toll such legal battles can take on individuals, with legal experts calling for reforms to ensure that anti-dowry laws are not exploited and that all victims—whether men or women—receive the justice they deserve.
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