The Atul Subhash Case and the Complex Reality of Women’s Protection Laws in India

The tragic suicide of Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru-based tech professional, has ignited a nationwide debate over the misuse of legal provisions designed to protect women from domestic abuse and harassment. His 24-page suicide note alleged relentless harassment by his wife and her family, claiming that laws intended to protect individuals were weaponized against him. Cases like these often prompt calls to dismantle or reform women-centric laws, arguing that men are unfairly targeted.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth — just because a few misuse these laws doesn’t mean they aren’t necessary.

Why Do Women’s Protection Laws Exist?

Legal frameworks like Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (criminalizing cruelty toward married women by husbands or relatives) and the Dowry Prohibition Act weren’t created in a vacuum. They’re responses to centuries of systemic violence, oppression, and discrimination against women.

Consider the bigger picture:

A history of oppression: Women in India and around the world have faced structural and social discrimination, leaving them economically, emotionally, and physically vulnerable. For generations, domestic violence, dowry deaths, and honor-based crimes were treated as “family matters” rather than criminal offenses.
Underreporting: Despite legal protections, many cases of abuse remain unreported due to fear, stigma, and societal pressure. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), domestic violence remains one of the most prevalent forms of abuse in India, with countless cases never reaching the police.
Cultural conditioning: Patriarchy is deeply embedded in society, conditioning women to stay silent, endure abuse, and prioritize family honor over personal safety. Women-specific laws provide a vital lifeline for those who otherwise might have none.

Without these laws, we risk returning to a time when abuse happened behind closed doors, and survivors were left powerless.

The Misuse Argument: What We Need to Understand

Yes, misuse of laws happens. The case of Atul Subhash painfully reminds us that legal systems can be manipulated. But misuse exists in every law. From corporate fraud to false theft claims, people exploit legal systems across all areas — yet we don’t call for those laws to be abolished.

Some facts to keep in mind:

False cases are rare: Studies show that false accusations under Section 498A exist but are significantly outnumbered by genuine cases of abuse. The Supreme Court has acknowledged misuse but consistently upheld the necessity of the law to protect vulnerable women.
Justice takes time: Legal processes are imperfect and exhausting, but justice cannot be based on isolated anecdotes. It requires balancing protection with fairness.
Why the focus on women’s laws? When men misuse corporate, tax, or property laws, society rarely questions the existence of those laws. Yet, when a few cases misuse women’s protection laws, it often leads to calls for dismantling entire frameworks meant to safeguard women.

The problem isn’t the laws themselves, but implementation, awareness, and deep-rooted social biases that leave them vulnerable to misuse.

Men Are Victims of Patriarchy Too

Patriarchy doesn’t only hurt women — it limits men as well. From a young age, men are conditioned to suppress emotions, “man up,” and avoid seeking help. This emotional isolation can push men to the brink, making it harder to cope with relationship conflicts or accusations.

But the answer isn’t to dismantle protective laws for women. Instead, we need better support systems for men. Emotional and legal support structures should exist for everyone, ensuring no one facing distress is left without help.

Instead of blaming laws designed to uplift women, we should ask:

Why is it so difficult for men to seek help?
Why are there so few resources for men’s mental and emotional well-being?

A Holistic Approach to Justice and Support

Gender-based violence isn’t a zero-sum game. Women’s need for protection doesn’t negate men’s concerns, and vice versa. What we need is a more comprehensive, empathetic approach:

Education and awareness: Better understanding of legal rights and responsibilities to prevent misuse and ensure fair application.
Support for men: Expanding legal and mental health resources for men facing false accusations or emotional challenges.
Judicial reform: Speeding up case resolutions and implementing stronger scrutiny to distinguish genuine cases from frivolous ones.
Intersectionality: Recognizing that marginalized women—especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds—face disproportionate abuse and need protections even more.

The tragic loss of Atul Subhash should not be used as a reason to dismantle women’s protection laws. Instead, it should inspire us to make the legal system more efficient, just, and accessible to all.

Women’s rights and men’s mental well-being must coexist in a society that values fairness for everyone.

At the core, legal protections are about ensuring no one—man or woman—feels unheard, unsupported, or without recourse.

Need Help? The iDare App Is Here for You

The iDare app offers support for all individuals seeking emotional and legal help in a safe, non-judgmental space. Whether you’re dealing with emotional abuse, false accusations, or mental health challenges, we’re here to listen and support you.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to iDare’s Support and Legal verticals. Your well-being matters, and help is always available.

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