FAQ – Police Harassment & Men’s Rights

Date: 24 June 2025
From: Men Helpline Org

Men Helpline has issued an open letter to the United Nations Human Rights Council, raising strong concerns about the biased report A/HRC/59/47 by Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem. The report unfairly portrays men only as perpetrators and women only as victims — ignoring the reality of male victims of domestic violence, false accusations, legal harassment, and suicides.

We, the Men Helpline Organization — supporting men who are facing domestic violence, false accusations, gender-biased laws, and mental health crises — strongly object to the biased approach taken in the recent United Nations report titled:

“Sex-based violence against women and girls: new frontiers and emerging issues” (A/HRC/59/47) submitted by Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem.

Such gender bias in international reports promotes discrimination, fuels one-sided laws, and denies justice to men and boys.

Our Concerns: (stereotypes version of report)

Biased Narrative

The report presents men only as perpetrators and women only as victims. It ignores the lived reality that men and boys also face violence, harassment, false cases, and discrimination under current gender-biased systems.

Denial of Harassment with Men

Nowhere does the report acknowledge male victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse of boys, or men driven to suicide by false allegations and harassment — all well documented across many countries.

Promotion of Legal Discrimination with Men

By asking States to make laws even more sex-specific (female-only protections), the report promotes policies that violate the basic human right of equality before law. Men would continue to be denied protections even when facing violence or false charges.

Ignoring the Issue of False Accusations

False cases under laws like IPC 498A (anti-dowry), false rape or molestation accusations are a growing epidemic in countries like India. Innocent men face arrest, loss of career, family breakdown, social stigma, and even suicide — yet this reality is completely missing in the report.

Silence on Male Suicide Crisis

According to the National Crime Records Bureau of India, over 70% of suicides are by men — often due to legal harassment, family breakdown, and gender bias. The UN report ignores this massive human rights crisis.

Report Discards the Reality

Yet — the report completely ignores the reality of harassment with men and instead promotes a narrative that:

Only women and girls are victims of “sex-based violence”
Men are the presumed perpetrators of all violence
There is no mention of the misuse of gender laws, false accusations, or the suicide crisis among men

Our Appeal to the United Nations:

• Recognize that men and boys also face gender-based violence and discrimination.
• Future reports must include male victims and be written in a gender-neutral, objective way — not using one-sided narratives.
• Promote gender-neutral laws that protect all citizens equally, regardless of sex.
• Address the growing global concern of false accusations and the legal system’s bias against men.
• Include male suicide linked to gender-based discrimination as a key human rights issue.
• Discard the Reem Alsalem’s biased report.

The United Nations must not allow its human rights mechanisms to become tools of gender bias. Equality before law, fairness, and neutrality are fundamental values. No human — whether male or female — should be treated as guilty by assumption or denied protection from violence and injustice.

We urge the Human Rights Council to take immediate steps to correct this imbalance and stand for human rights for all.

Refer the attached report for reference.

This post highlights how laws are being weaponized to break families, aiming to raise awareness.

In the name of development and equality, a slow but deliberate changes in phase manner has been waged—not against crime, but against the foundation of families and society.

Every new law added to the legal arsenal erodes affection, trust, togetherness and solidarity.

Kumar S Ratan, Men’s and Child right activist, founder of Men Helpline

Our lawmakers, celebrated as the architects of justice, have instead emerged as the geniuses of havoc, crafting a legacy of chaos through crude, one-sided laws.

“The law was focused on criminalizing the families, than strengthening the family.”, Kumar S Ratan, Founder of Men Helpline

Timeline of Legal Play

1955 – Hindu Marriage Act

The act turned a sacred bond into a legal contract open to exploitation. The intention of the Act is to ensure the rights of women by having provisions of divorce, rights of maintenance to women, it was built on the misconception that men held all power. It presumed that men often abandoned their wives, leaving them homeless and dependent, thus mandating maintenance without assessing individual situations. The law ignores the responsibilities of the wife and her family, creating an imbalance.

While the act is called progressive step towards gender equality, legal clarity, and social reform but the fact is that the law is destructive and biased.

1961 – Dowry Prohibition Act

The law criminalized the giving and taking of dowry but treated gifts to the bride as her rights. While the intention was to curb the gift to husband (called as dowry), in practice, the law became a trap for grooms and their families. It created an environment of fear, where false cases were often used as tools of revenge or to fulfill unjust demands. The law, though well-meaning, lacked safeguards against misuse, leading to harassment of innocent families.

1983 – IPC 498A/ BNS 85

The law presumed husbands and their families guilty based solely on a wife’s accusation. Before the Supreme Court’s Arnesh Kumar guidelines, entire families—even minors as young as 3–4 years—were jailed on mere allegations. It became a tool to demolish the Joint Family traditions as the criminalizes in-laws (husband and kins), but living separately couldn’t shield relatives from being named as accused in a matrimonial dispute.

2005 – Domestic Violence Act (DV Act)

Surprisingly, DV Act includes a “right to residence” clause, allowing a woman to claim residence in the very household where she alleges harassment. This effectively enables her to return and legally confront the accused. So this clearly demonstrate that law sending women to husband house to harass husband legally.

A law that gave rights to one gender while turning husbands into legally defenseless entities. Protection for women morphed into persecution of men.

2013 – Nirbhaya Act

The 2013 Nirbhaya Act, born from rare public outrage, intensified gender bias in law. Presumptions replaced evidence, and empathy was reserved solely for women. Around 15 new laws was introduced, without having provisions of safeguards against misuse. The first known victim of false accusation was dubbed “Dilli Ka Darinda” by the media. After a 4-year legal battle, he was found innocent—but by then, he had lost his job, reputation, and dignity, with media pressuring him to confess on camera.

2023 – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 69

A fresh Left-Feminist blande, with its broad definitions and one-sided applications, it undermines trust in relationships by criminalizing men in live-in and consensual arrangements. The provision blurs the line between genuine abuse and consensual intimacy, making men vulnerable to legal action based solely on retrospective claims, further deepening gender bias in law.

Judicial Shifts Eroding Moral Foundations

The legal system didn’t stop at enacting biased laws but you can see its influence in judicial decisions. A society and family if lost its moral ground and values, only law can’t rebuild them in longer run. despite this, the situation of society has become that we call it “land of law” where moral and ethical grounds has been discarded.

The legal system didn’t stop at enacting biased; its influence is now deeply visible in judicial decisions as well. When a society and its families lose their moral foundation and values, no law—no matter how strict—can rebuild that fabric in the long run. Yet, we find ourselves in a situation where the nation is being called a “land of law,” while moral and ethical principles are discarded.

Judicial Interpretations That Dismantled Marital Trust

• 2016 – Adultery Decriminalized – Betrayal no longer a crime—trust in marriage quietly fades.
• 2020 – Illegitimacy Legitimized – The sanctity of marriage questioned as parental legitimacy is redefined.
• 2022 – Wife body is not husband’s property- weakened the already fragile trust in marital relationships.
• 2023 – Men’s Commission Denied – Supreme Court dismisses the need, reducing rising male suicides to a “forum” of choice.
• 2024 – Husband Held Liable for Wife’s Affair – A shocking ruling: the man must accept legal fatherhood for a child not his own.
• 2025 – 498A & BNS 85 Misuse Called “Spicy News” – Courts trivialize men’s harassment, turning pain into a headline.

Shouldn’t be a Masterpiece of Spite

Together, it seems, these laws and their interpretations constitute a masterpiece not of justice, but of malice.The presumption of innocence is denied to husbands. Emotional blackmail has found legal validation and mediation in family dispute encouraging such practice.

This is not protection. This is programmed destruction.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are personal opinions based on publicly available legal developments and social observations. This content is not intended to provide legal advice or target any individual, group, or institution. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified legal professionals for specific legal concerns.

In a shocking Meerut murder has shocked the Nation. The recent brutal murder of a husband in Meerut has once again highlighted a harsh reality which society refuses to acknowledge—men too are victims of heinous crimes within their own homes.

The case, where a woman Muskan Rastogi, brutally murdered her husband Saurabh Rajput, dismembered his body into 15 pieces, and attempted to dispose of the remains by freezing with cement in a drum, is nothing short of horrifying. This crime brings to light the deep-seated gender biases that plague our legal and social systems, where crimes against men are often overlooked, trivialized, or even justified.

“Men are 100 percent unreported victim”, Kumar S Ratan, a men’s and child rights activist

The Bias in Domestic Crime Narratives

Had the roles been reversed, this case would have sparked nationwide outrage, protests, and debates on female victimhood. Yet, because the victim was a man, the media’s response has been muted. Society has been conditioned to view women as perpetual victims and men as perpetrators, even when evidence suggests otherwise. The narrative that men cannot be victims of domestic violence or brutal crimes at the hands of their wives is not only misleading but dangerous.

“only a few cases came to light, while most remained unearthed”, Kumar S Ratan, a men’s and child rights activist

Cases Where Men have been Subjected to Violence

This is not the only incident. Across the country, there have been numerous cases where men have been subjected to violence, mental abuse, and false allegations, only for their plight to be dismissed by law enforcement and society at large. The notion that men are always in control and women are always vulnerable has created a lopsided legal framework that fails to protect male victims.

Legal System’s Indifference Towards Men

One of the biggest concerns arising from this case is the continued ignorance of lawmakers regarding male victims of domestic violence. While there are multiple laws protecting women from abuse, there is an absolute lack of legal provisions to safeguard men facing similar violence. The Domestic Violence Act, for example, provides protection exclusively to women, leaving men completely vulnerable in abusive relationships.

Even when cases of extreme violence against men come to light, the legal proceedings often lack the urgency and empathy shown in cases where women are victims. The slow response and lack of support for male victims further embolden abusers who know that they can escape with minimal consequences.

Legal Reform and Societal Change

The continued violance with men, the Meerut murder case should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and society alike. It is high time that laws are amended to recognize and address crimes against men with the same seriousness as those against women. Men must have access to legal protections, support systems, and a societal acknowledgment of their victimhood without stigma.

Our Demand

• Recognizing Male Victimhood
• Legal Amendments and Gender-Neutral laws
• Helplines and Support Groups for Men
• Police Sensitization to treat cases of violence against men

Our Social media Post

The extensive documentation left by Atul, including a 24-page suicide note and a video, provides a chilling insight into the emotional and financial toll inflicted upon men in prolonged legal battles stemming from personal disputes. The situation highlights several critical issues:

Key Concerns

Abuse of Legal Provisions

Atul’s case underscores the misuse of laws intended to protect women, such as domestic violence and dowry-related laws, which are sometimes exploited to harass men and their families. Multiple false accusations drained him emotionally, financially, and socially.

Judicial System’s Shortcomings:

• 120 court hearings in two years reflect inefficiencies in the judicial system, where cases drag on endlessly with minimal resolution.
• Allegations of corruption, bribery, and insensitivity on the part of judicial officials exacerbate the suffering of individuals like Atul.

Mental Health Neglect

Prolonged legal harassment without institutional support for mental health led Atul to despair. Despite evident distress, his cries for justice were unheard.

Lack of Support Systems for Men

There are inadequate mechanisms to address the grievances of men facing false accusations. We as an NGOs provide limited help, but systemic changes are necessary.

Urgent Questions

• How many more men will succumb to despair before the judicial system takes their issues seriously?
• Why are there no stringent penalties for filing false cases that ruin lives and families?
• Is the judicial system designed to uphold justice, or is it merely enabling one-sided empowerment?

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) leaves men and LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable and unprotected, hence there is a need of gender-neutral laws for harassment at workplace

This bias in the law not only perpetuates stereotypes but also deters men from reporting harassment.

Men Don’t Report Sexual Harassment

Men rarely report instances of sexual harassment, and the reasons are deeply rooted in both legal and societal biases. First, India’s legal framework heavily favors women in harassment cases. A man who reports harassment risks facing a counter-allegation from the accused woman. In such situations, the law often presumes the woman to be the victim, leaving the man vulnerable to arrest without a thorough investigation.

Secondly, societal attitudes make it difficult for men to speak up. Claims of harassment against men are often dismissed as humorous or unimportant. Victims are ridiculed and told to “man up,” further discouraging them from seeking justice. The fear of being mocked or labeled weak forces many male victims to suffer in silence.

The Prevalence of Male Victimization

Contrary to popular belief, sexual harassment against men is not rare. The Indian National Bar Association conducted as survey in year 2016 which revealed that 22% of harassment victims in workplaces were men. Despite this, India’s legal system and workplace policies remain silent on the issue.

Legal Bias That Need Addressing

The POSH Act explicitly identifies only women as victims. The Indian Penal Code, too, fails to address sexual harassment against men. This leaves male victims with little recourse, violating their constitutional right to equality under Article 14.

Gender-neutral laws are the need of the hour. By replacing the word “woman” with “person” in the POSH Act, and adopting inclusive language in the Penal Code, India can ensure justice for all victims of workplace harassment, regardless of gender.

Global Examples

Countries like Australia, Denmark, and the UK have successfully implemented gender-neutral workplace harassment laws. These frameworks prioritize the dignity of individuals over gendered assumptions, offering equal protection to all. India must take a cue from these nations and modernize its laws.

Conclusion

Workplace harassment is not a gendered issue; it is a human rights issue. Men deserve the same protection as women under the law. Until India implements gender-neutral laws, male victims will continue to suffer in silence, perpetuating a cycle of injustice and inequality.

This blog highlights the legal restrictions and societal restrictions are imposed only on men.

Unfair Burdens on Men

Laws are meant to ensure fairness and justice for all, yet it seem to target men disproportionately. One glaring example is in family law. Courts tend to favor mothers in custody battles, treating fathers as secondary parents who must prove their capability, while mothers are assumed to be the natural caregivers. Similarly, men often face unfairly high alimony payments, based on the outdated assumption that men are always the primary earners, even when this is no longer the case.

A more alarming issue arises with false allegations of rape and molestation, where men can have their lives destroyed by mere accusations. In many cases, no evidence is required to tarnish a man’s reputation, career, and personal life, while women who make these false claims rarely face any legal consequences, even when the truth is revealed in court. The legal system fails to hold false accusers accountable, leaving men defenseless against such life-altering accusations.

Societal Expectations with Masculinity

Beyond legal issues, societal expectations impose their own set of restrictions on men. Traditional gender roles pressure men into being the providers, the protectors, and the emotionally stoic figures in both family and society. Deviating from these roles often leads to judgment and ostracization.

Men are conditioned to “tough it out,” suppress their emotions, and remain resilient no matter what challenges they face. As a result, men are less likely to seek help when struggling with mental health issues, contributing to higher rates of depression and suicide. Unlike women, men receive far less support when they break under these pressures, as society views emotional vulnerability in men as a weakness.

Additionally, men are expected to take on dangerous and physically demanding jobs at much higher rates, such as in construction, military service, and emergency response. These roles expose men to greater risks of injury or even death, yet this is often treated as an expectation, rather than a choice. The sacrifices men make are seen as par for the course, further entrenching the narrative that men must bear the brunt of physical and emotional labor.

Impact of False Allegations and Double Standards

One of the most damaging double standards in modern society relates to how allegations of harassment, rape, and molestation are treated. While all allegations of such crimes must be taken seriously, the presumption of guilt often falls disproportionately on men. An accusation alone can ruin a man’s life—professionally, personally, and socially—long before any evidence is brought to light. This “guilty until proven innocent” approach leads to severe consequences, even when the accusations are later proven false.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this issue is the lack of repercussions for those who make false allegations. When a woman falsely accuses a man of rape or harassment, even if the claims are demonstrably proven to be lies, the legal system seldom punishes the false accuser. Courts are often reluctant to take action, allowing the individual who lied to walk away without facing any meaningful consequences. This double standard leaves men vulnerable, with their lives shattered, while the accusers face little to no accountability.

Toward True Gender Equality

Addressing the unique challenges men face requires a shift in both legal reform and societal attitudes. Lawmakers need to acknowledge and address the biases in laws related to family matters, as well as in handling false allegations of sexual misconduct. Courts should hold individuals accountable for false accusations, ensuring that men are not unfairly punished based on unverified claims.

At the same time, societal expectations surrounding masculinity must evolve. Men should be encouraged to express their emotions, seek help when needed, and challenge the traditional roles that pressure them into dangerous or emotionally suppressive positions. Only by recognizing and addressing these issues can we move toward a society that values fairness and justice for all, irrespective of gender.

It’s time to dismantle the myth that men face no challenges in our legal and societal structures. The restrictions imposed uniquely on men are real, and they deserve the same attention and advocacy that women’s issues have rightfully garnered.

Countering false accusations of rape and sexual assault is challenging, it requires your complete focus on fighting for your justice and sometimes you need to study the law, related judgments and provisions. False rape cases are disaster for men and family.

Men wrongly accused of heinous crimes such as rape and sexual harassment often suffer from the weight of public perception, physical stress, and long legal battles. This blog explores the available legal recourse for men who have been have been trapped in false cases and seeks to raise awareness about how to strike the right balance between protecting male victims and safeguarding innocent men.

Proving Malice in False Accusations

One of the major challenges in pursuing legal action against a false accuser is proving that the accusation was made with malicious intent. Courts require strong evidence to show that the accuser knowingly and deliberately made false statements with the intent to harm. This can be a difficult hurdle, but with the right legal representation and a well-documented defense, justice can be achieved.

The Consequences of False Accusations

False allegations of rape and sexual harassment are serious offenses, and their consequences can be life-changing. Even after acquittal, men’s reputation, dignity, and mental well-being may never fully recover. Public perception often remains negative, making it difficult for the wrongfully accused to rebuild their lives.

However, there are legal tools available to counter these false accusations, ensuring that those who misuse the law are held accountable for their actions.

Legal Remedies for False Accusations

If you’ve been acquitted in false rape or sexual harassment charges, there are several legal steps you can take to seek justice. Indian law has certain provisions to fight back against false allegations and malicious prosecutions.

Filing a Criminal Complaint

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) has multiple provisions under which you can file a criminal complaint if you’ve been falsely accused:

Section 211 – False Charge of Offense with Intent to Injure: This section is used against individuals who intentionally file false accusations to cause harm.

Section 182 – False Information Given to a Public Servant: If the accuser provided false information to the police or another public official with the intent to cause harm, you can file a case under this section.

Section 420 – Cheating and Dishonest Inducement: This section can be invoked if deception played a role in the accuser’s actions, especially if there was an ulterior motive like extortion or revenge.

Section 500 – Defamation: The wrongfully accused can file a defamation case if their reputation has been harmed by the false allegations. Section 500 seeks to compensate the accused for the damage to their personal and professional standing.

Section 120B – Criminal Conspiracy: If the false accusation involved multiple people conspiring to harm the accused, they can be charged under this section for criminal conspiracy.

Holding Public Servants Accountable

In many false accusation cases, public servants, such as police officers, may act improperly or fail to follow due process. If you believe that public servants mishandled your case, there are specific IPC sections under which you can hold them accountable:

Section 166 – Public Servant Disobeying Law with Intent to Cause Injury: If a public servant, such as a police officer, violated legal procedures or acted unlawfully in handling your case, you can take action under this section.

Section 167 – Public Servant Framing Incorrect Documents with Intent to Injure: If a public servant deliberately framed false documents, they can be prosecuted under Section 167.

Filing a Civil Suit for Compensation

Apart from criminal complaints, the wrongfully accused can file a civil suit seeking compensation for the damages they suffered due to the false accusations. This includes compensation for loss of reputation, emotional distress, legal fees, and career damage. Such a lawsuit can help to recover some of the losses caused by the false charges.

The Information Technology Act, 2000

If defamatory or explicit content was shared online to harass or defame the accused, the Information Technology Act, 2000 provides additional legal recourse. Under Section 67 (punishment for publishing obscene material) and Section 67A (punishment for publishing sexually explicit material), the accused can seek justice for the misuse of online platforms.

From criminal complaints under the IPC to civil suits for damages, the falsely accused have options to hold their accusers accountable and restore their reputation.

In recent years, the misuse of Section 498A has gained widespread attention, even the Supreme Court of India and various Hight Courts has repeatedly acknowledged the increasing instances of false cases. In order to protect the innocent men, considering the highest rate of misuse it become important to discuss about counter cases against false 498a case.

Section 498A of IPC was introduced protect women from harassment and cruelty, primarily related to dowry demands. The gave the right to women to take legal action against their husbands and in-laws in in the said circumstances, ensuring justice.

What is False 498A Accusations

Before we talk about strategies of counter case against false 498A, it is essential to understand the common tactics used by those who misuse 498A. These often involve:

• False allegations of dowry demand or harassment: Accusing the husband or his family of demanding dowry or subjecting the wife to physical or mental cruelty.
• Fabricating evidence: Creating false evidence or manipulating existing documents to support the allegations.
• Coercing witnesses: Pressuring relatives, friends, or neighbors to provide false testimony.
• Exploiting legal loopholes: Taking advantage of the presumption of innocence and the stringent bail conditions often imposed in 498A cases.

Note that, after registration of FIR under section 498a, according to the process, the Police officer has to issue CrPC 41a notice to appear for the investigation. So after receiving such notice, you should join the investigation without fail and at the same time file for the anticipatory bail.

Steps to Defend Against False 498A Cases : You are not alone

• File for Anticipatory Bail : File for Anticipatory Bail after registration of FIR, not before. Since 498A is a non-bailable offense, there is an immediate threat of arrest.
• Stay Calm and Avoid Panic : As such false cases hurts men, so it become necessary to think with calm mind, your anger will bring you to different direction.
• Gather Evidence: Collect all possible evidence that can prove your innocence. Keep all electronic evidences safe and ensure it was not removed from the device where it was originally captured.

Steps that may be helpful in Counter Case

Following provisions under which you can file counter cases:

• Never miss Court dates, even if your advocate or family suggests.
• Section 182 of IPC (False Information Given to a Public Servant): If the wife or her family intentionally provided false information to the police or other authorities, you can file a complaint under this section.
• Section 211 of IPC (False Charge of Offense): You can file a case for being falsely accused of an offense with the intent to harm.
• Defamation (Section 499 of IPC): If the false accusation has damaged your reputation, a defamation suit can be pursued.
• Criminal Intimidation (Section 506 of IPC): If there is evidence that the wife or her family threatened to file a false case, you can proceed under this section.

However the Supreme Court has issued guidelines regarding arrests in 498A cases that arrest should be made only after due consideration, but applying for anticipatory bail ensures protection in order to avoid any complication in matter.

In Arnesh Kumar Vs State of Bihar case become a landmark case where the Supreme Court passed the above said guideline to prevent unnecessary arrest and make the issuance of notice under CrPC 41A a mandatory one.

To ensure support for men, this blog is intended to give brief of process involved. Above mentioned resources for men are critical before dealing such false cases.

Recent matter of Pooja Khedkar IAS officer, who was transferred after demanding VIP treatment during her probation which underscores the fact that the government has mechanisms in place to address the misconduct among its officials. However, when it comes to family institutions, the concept of misconduct is entirely absent.

Government Accountability: The Case of IAS Puja Khedkar

The transfer of IAS Pooja Khedkar due to her unreasonable demands during probation is a clear example of how the government holds its officials accountable for misconduct. Misconduct in the government sector are established procedures to address and rectify such behavior. It ensures that in case of misconduct officials have to face consequences, to maintain standards of moral and ethical conduct.

Puja Khedkar IAS changed the number plate of Assistant Collector and forcefully acquired his cabin. According to news she submitted false document of her disability and OBC certificate to get reservation to secure her seat.

The Family Institution: A Different Standard

The family institution lacks a clear framework to address ‘misconduct’ or what could it be termed. When it comes to family dynamics, the law often remains silent, especially in cases where a woman harasses her husband, in-laws, or distant relatives. This silence creates disparity, as the same standards of accountability and consequences applied in government institutions do not apply within family Institutions.

The Double Standards in Marital Disputes

Considering a situation where a wife denies following family norms, is not adreessed. In the maintenance case, wife often makes exaggerated demands and the government, forces husband to pay the demands of wife, irrespective of their fairness. This one-sided approach leaves men and their families vulnerable to harassment without the acknowledgment of misconduct on the wife’s part.

However, men are held accountable for their misconduct with their wives, with various laws ensuring that men are penalized. Laws such as Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which addresses cruelty by husbands or their relatives, and the Domestic Violence Act, aim to protect women from harassment and abuse. These laws are essential for safeguarding women’s rights, but they also highlight the imbalance in how misconduct is addressed within family institutions.

The government lacks focus on save Indian family from any form of harm caused by false accusations or misuse of these laws. The government punishes its employees for misconduct but such a provision is absent in family institutions and its punishment is limited to men.

The Consequences of an Imbalanced System

Due to double standard in addressing misconduct leads to significant consequences that husbands and their families suffers from undue stress and financial burden due to exaggerated maintenance demands and false cases. In some cases, in-laws or distant relatives are falsely implicated in a legal battle, dragging the entire family and often baseless allegations are breaking families.

Emotional and Psychological Impacts

The lack of clear definition of misconduct and accountability has eroded trust and harmony within families, leading to long-term emotional and psychological impacts.

In the system, it requires, both men and women to be held accountable for their actions within the family, which can help promote fairness and integrity. It will also protect individuals from unjust treatment and foster healthier, more respectful family dynamics.