Devil’s Advocate: Serving you a cocktail of wit, humour and sarcasm
The tragic case of Atul Subhash in Bengaluru has garnered significant public attention in India. Atul, a 34-year-old deputy general manager at a private company, allegedly died by suicide on December 9, 2024, after posting a video detailing his sufferings in a divorce settlement case.
In a detailed 24-page note and an 80-minute-long video, Atul accused his wife, her family, and a judge of harassment, extortion, and corruption. He also highlighted broader systemic issues, including allegations of judicial bribery. The contents of the note and video are profoundly distressing and emotionally heavy, making it difficult to discuss them without experiencing deep anguish.
At this stage, the emotional expressions in his video and suicide note should be approached with caution and evaluated critically until verified, as the principle of #BelieveAllMen does not apply.
Atul’s wife is alleged to have incited him to take his own life, with claims that a female family court judge reportedly laughed at his distress and asked for a bribe to settle the case, according to his accusations. In his suicide note, Atul Subhash expressed feelings of being treated as an “ATM machine” by his wife and her family.
Atul’s family has called for justice, highlighting the mental harassment he endured and urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. His brother has lodged an FIR naming four individuals, including Atul’s wife and her relatives, as key accused. Law enforcement is actively investigating the matter and reviewing related legal complaints in Uttar Pradesh.
This case has sparked widespread conversations about potential misuse of legal protections, systemic inequities, and the need for robust mental health support for individuals embroiled in family and legal disputes.
Certain laws in India are specifically designed to protect women which are discriminatory against men. For instance:
Domestic Violence Act, 2005: This law provides protection for women against domestic abuse but does not include provisions for addressing domestic violence against men, implicitly assuming men as the sole perpetrators.
Section 498A of the IPC: Criminalizes cruelty by a husband or his family, often invoked in cases of dowry-related harassment.
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Prohibits the exchange of dowry in marriage, aiming to combat this harmful social practice.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013: Ensures safeguards for women against harassment in professional environments.
However, critics point out that these laws lack equivalent protections for men, despite reports of male victims in similar circumstances. There are no specific legal provisions addressing domestic violence, harassment, or abuse against men.
A significant number of cases are reported where women have made false accusations of rape, domestic violence, or sexual harassment. Additionally, some divorce lawyers guide women on leveraging laws to secure favourable outcomes in divorce settlements. In such instances, there are concerns about law enforcement officials hastily filing charges against accused individuals without thorough investigation. Moreover, organized groups are reported to exploit by orchestrating “honey traps,” coercing men into financial settlements under false pretences.
The National Family Health Survey of 2004 indicates that this violence is not exclusively carried out by female partners or wives; in many cases, male relatives of the wife are responsible for attacking or threatening the man. When considering both physical violence and threats from a wife’s relatives, it is estimated that approximately 30 million men in India face domestic violence.
Critics argue that certain provisions, like Section 498A, are weaponised by unscrupulous women, for personal vendettas, resulting in false accusations against men and their families.
Even the Supreme Court of India has acknowledged the misuse & has raised concerns over the growth of such false cases.
Men can face reputational damage, legal costs, and emotional distress due to false allegations. Advocacy groups have called for gender-neutral laws or the creation of mechanisms to safeguard against misuse.
The lack of gender-neutral laws undermines the fundamental principle of justice and equality. A crime remains a crime, regardless of whether it is committed by a man, woman, or other genders of the LGBTQI+ community, and should be met with appropriate legal consequences. Adopting an inclusive approach to legislation ensures that all individuals are treated equitably under the law, fostering a more just and fair society.
It is hoped that this tragic incident underscores the urgent need for legal reforms to ensure fairness and accountability for all individuals. Such reforms should include stringent measures to prevent the misuse of protective laws while simultaneously safeguarding the rights of genuine victims.
Kangana Ranaut, a Bollywood actor turned politician, expressed sympathy for Atul’s case, criticizing certain ideologies by stating, “Communism, socialism, and condemnable feminism have crept into this institution, turning some into businesses.” However, she sparked controversy with her contradictory remark, “In 99% of marriages, it is the man who is at fault.”
Such statements from public figures, particularly those in policymaking roles, raise concerns about perpetuating stereotypes and polarizing debates. The presence of such rhetoric, coupled with “toxic femininity,” driven by rabid feminists and gender equality warriors, will hinder progress toward truly gender-neutral laws, which require balanced and unbiased perspectives to ensure fairness for all genders.
Let Atul’s death be a driving force for meaningful reforms, ensuring that his life and tragic end are not forgotten. May his chilling plea, “Justice is due,” inspire collective action to bring about accountability and fairness in the legal and societal systems.
Atul Subhash! May your troubled soul find peace. Om Shanti!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
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💔Tragedy sparks call for reform.🧑⚖️#AtulSubhash’s heartbreaking case, highlighted by Salunke, exposes allegations of legal misuse & systemic inequities.⚖️ Advocates urge for gender-neutral laws & justice.🙏 Do laws truly protect everyone?💭 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/9pdlREFvaU
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) December 15, 2024
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