Unseen Victims: Advocating for a Men's Commission in India to Address Legal Misuse

India has enacted progressive laws aimed at protecting women from harassment, abuse, and discrimination, such as:

• Section 498A of IPC: Criminalizes cruelty by a husband or his relatives, including dowry-related harassment.
• The Domestic Violence Act: Provides remedies for women facing domestic abuse.

While these laws serve a critical purpose, there have been cases reported where these provisions are allegedly misused, often as a tool for harassment or false accusations. For instance:

• Men and their families being implicated in false dowry harassment cases.
• Accusations that lead to reputational and financial damage, even when the claims are proven baseless.

These instances have fueled calls for a Men’s Commission to ensure that men also have a platform for grievance redressal and legal support.

Why a Men’s Commission?

1. Balancing the Scales

• A Men's Commission could ensure a fair hearing for men accused under laws designed to protect women.
• It would also work towards addressing other male-centric issues, such as mental health, workplace harassment, and custody rights.

2. Preventing Misuse

• By studying patterns of alleged misuse, such a body could recommend amendments or safeguards to existing laws to minimize false cases without diluting the protections for women.

3. Awareness and Support

• A Men's Commission could raise awareness about issues that disproportionately affect men, such as stigma around expressing vulnerability or seeking help.

Implications and Criticisms:

• Supporters argue that a Men's Commission is a necessary step toward equality, ensuring no group is unfairly targeted or neglected by the legal system.
• Critics caution that focusing on men’s issues might overshadow the continued struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society, where they remain disproportionately affected by violence and discrimination.