As the world observes International Men’s Day (IMD) on November 19, Men Helpline is calling attention to the persistent legal challenges that disproportionately impact men. From biased family laws to unchecked false accusations,

Equality Under the Constitution: A Reality or a Distant Goal?

India’s Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, yet systemic gaps result in legal processes that often overlook the plight of men. Men Helpline, a platform dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by men, underscores how biases within the legal system lead to social, emotional, and financial crises for countless individuals. This Men’s Day, their focus is clear: demand reforms that promote justice without prejudice.

The Hidden Impact of Legal Inequality

Men encounter significant obstacles in areas such as “False Allegations”, “Child Custody Battles”, “Mental Health Crisis” that go unnoticed.

Men falsely accused of crimes like domestic violence, dowry harassment, or sexual misconduct often face a presumption of being guilty. The absence of preliminary investigations in many cases leaves innocent men fighting a costly and emotionally draining legal battle.

Legal entanglements compounded by societal stigma often isolate men. The prolonged stress of legal proceedings has led many to experience anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.

IMD 2024 Theme: “Justice for All – Breaking Legal Bias”

This year’s theme emphasizes “Justice for all” by creating an unbiased legal framework that treats all citizens equally. Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, the founder of International Men’s Day, stated, “Equality can only be achieved when we recognize and rectify biases that affect anyone, irrespective of their gender.”

Men Helpline’s Call for Action

Kumar S. Ratan, activist and founder of Men Helpline, highlights: “it’s important to prevent the misuse of laws that harm innocent people. Legal bias, particularly in family law and accusations without evidence, causes deep harm to men and destabilizes families. Reforms are essential to restore balance.”

Men Helpline proposes actionable steps to address these concerns:

Investigation and Evidence: Before arrests in cases of harassment or violence, thorough preliminary investigations with the adequate proof of crime should be a legal requirement.

Joint Parenting Models: Child custody decisions must prioritize the child’s welfare, involving both parents equally.

Mental Health Support: Accessible counseling and legal aid tailored for men should be integrated into the justice system.

Punitive Measures for False Allegations: Equal punishment for proven false cases is crucial to maintaining the credibility of justice.

Restoration of Reputation: For acquitted individuals, mechanisms should exist to repair their tarnished image and compensate for the hardships faced.

Promoting a Positive Male Role Model of Masculinity

Beyond legal reforms, Men Helpline advocates for celebrating the contributions of men who inspire societal growth by promoting “Positive male Role Models”. Events like the Purushartha Mahotsav serve as platforms to honor men who exhibit courage, integrity, and compassion.

Join the Movement for Legal Equity

This Men’s Day, let us focus on building a society where fairness and justice prevail. Men Helpline invites everyone to be part of the movement—because justice is not just about punishment; it’s about protection, restoration, and equality for all.

Some social media posts

The day 19 November 2023, is to encourage institutions, organizations, and individuals to identify the causes for male suicide and try to find solutions to create a protective environment for men in all nations.

“The International Men’s Day has also created and supported initiatives which improve the manner in which the world addresses and resolves their unique mental and physical health issues for men and boys”, Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, Founder, International Men’s Day

This year theme for IMD is “Zero Male Suicide”, is to bring focus of the authorities to work in the are which has been ignored.

“A safe environment is essential for nurturing, growth and development of men”, by Men’s and Child rights activist Kumar S Ratan

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the trend of suicide among men are growing year-on-year. India has recorded highest suicide (51,477) in year 2020 due to “Family Problem”, where 35333 were male and 16140 were female.

“Due to family problems, the suicide rate in men is twice that of women”, Vivek Singh founder of NewsOfX.

In order to prevent suicide, Men’s mental well-being became an important concern, on which MenTalk organization has planned multiple activities.

“Government need to put focus on Men’s mental health and awareness”, by Founder of MenTalks Advocate Roopenshu Pratap Singh

International Men’s Day celebrates and honors the contributions and sacrifices of men — “everyday men”.

Themes of IMD 2023 are:

• Zero Male Suicide
• To focus on men’s health and well-being; social, emotional, physical, and spiritual
• To highlight discrimination against males in areas of social services, social attitudes, and expectations, and law

This year on International Men’s Day, we are focused on highlighting “a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity“.

This year “a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity” will be theme for International men’s day. Due to the constant propaganda against masculinity, no one wants to talk about this, although one should not forget that “good men do exist”.

The propaganda against positive masculinity has led to the neglect of the human rights of men in law. The police registers an FIR only on the statement of the woman and the men have to run to the courts and police stations to prove their innocence.

Such violation of human rights is not just seen in laws but our boys have to face its implications like government brings many schemes to empower girls but there is no such scheme for our boys. It seems that the propaganda against masculinity is meant to demean our sons and men.

So in such a situation, it become more important to continue conversation about “positive masculinity”.