Representative image of dowry.
Credit: iStock photo
The suicide of Atul Subhash in Bengaluru has, once again, drawn attention to the alleged misuse of dowry harassment laws and their devastating consequences on innocent individuals. Atul reportedly took his life after months of personal and legal turmoil caused by extortion attempts and false allegations made by his wife. His death is not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend where unsuspecting individuals are caught in the web of malicious dowry harassment cases. These false accusations often lead to irreversible harm, especially when the legal system is unable to prevent them. Section 498A IPC, designed to protect women from dowry-related violence and harassment, was a significant step in addressing the plight of those suffering from domestic abuse. While the original intent was to protect victims, the misuse of this provision has led to grave injustices. A growing number of men have found themselves falsely accused, subjected to extortion, and faced with the destruction of their reputations. Atul’s case exemplifies the emotional and psychological toll that these baseless allegations can have. False dowry harassment cases not only ruin individual lives but also undermine the very purpose of the law.
The judiciary has repeatedly acknowledged the misuse of Section 498A ,with the Supreme Court even describing it as “legal terrorism” in a 2017 case. False accusations, often aimed at blackmail or revenge, muddy the waters and dilute the seriousness of genuine cases. Dowry harassment is, undoubtedly, a serious social evil and the legal system must ensure that it protects the vulnerable while also preventing the abuse of the laws themselves. While the law was aimed to provide quick protection to women, it can also be a double-edged sword leading to incarceration of innocent men based on unverified complaints.
To address these issues, it is essential to recalibrate the country’s approach to dowry harassment cases. One immediate step would be to ensure thorough investigation before any legal steps are taken. Complaints should be vetted carefully, and arrests should be made only if substantial evidence exists. The misuse of laws for personal vendetta should carry severe penalties to deter such false cases. The courts and police must ensure that the laws are not weaponised to settle scores. Judges should be trained to recognise the signs of manipulation and coercion, and make certain that only valid cases are pursued. Laws meant to protect women from genuine abuse should not become tools of exploitation, manipulation, and oppression. The need to strike a balance between justice for real victims and fairness to the accused is crucial and cannot be overstated.