One suicide: time to realize the misuse in Indian matrimonial laws

The tragic suicide of Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old man allegedly driven to take his own life due to harassment from nine matrimonial cases filed by his wife, has sparked a crucial debate about the misuse of matrimonial laws designed to protect women. Atul reportedly attended over 120 court hearings in Jaunpur from Bengaluru over the past two years, potentially risking his job and mental health. His case highlights a growing concern about how laws, such as those on domestic violence, cruelty, dowry prohibition, maintenance, and child custody, are being misused.

Atul’s case is not unique. Many men are struggling under the weight of false allegations in matrimonial cases, with some even losing their jobs as a result. This abuse of the legal system diminishes the seriousness of genuine cases of cruelty against women. The Supreme Court had raised concerns in May 2024 about the misuse of Section 498A IPC, yet no safeguards have been introduced to protect men under similar circumstances.

The rise in cases filed by wives as a form of pressure to secure unreasonable alimony or to delay divorce is also alarming. In India, a husband seeking divorce often faces significant legal hurdles, with courts presuming him to be the wrongdoer. The social dynamics have changed, but the laws have not kept pace with these shifts.

The government and judiciary must adapt the laws to reflect modern realities, ensuring fairness for both men and women. It is crucial to challenge outdated assumptions and work toward a more balanced, gender-neutral legal system. Furthermore, courts should reconsider child maintenance responsibilities, ensuring they are shared equally by both parents, especially when both are working.

The legal framework must evolve to respect personal autonomy in relationships, and divorce provisions should be simplified and sped up. Society needs to rethink the traditional concept of marriage as “settling down” and embrace it as a partnership for companionship and mutual growth.

Family seeks custody of Atul’s son amidst tragic suicide allegations