Neglected and Invisible: The Legal and Emotional Problems Encountered by Men
- Lets Learn Law
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
Introduction
Over the past few years, India has seen rising debate around gender justice, mental health and legal reforms. While women have struggled for and achieved numerous legal safeguards to protect their rights over the years, a similar and equally necessary discussion on men’s problems has not been touched upon. Men also experience mental health emergencies, undergoing emotional trauma, and sometimes face unjust legal penalties. However, their plight is not attended to, downplayed or dismissed because of deeply embedded, social stereotypes, portraying men as invincible and beyond vulnerability. Recent cases in India, including the tragic suicide of Atul Subhash highlights the urgent need to re-assess and balance the scales of justice.
The Mental Health Crisis Among Men
One of the most immediate yet least discussed concerns are the legal rights granted to men, and remedies offered in case, where they are falsely alleged. Financial pressure, societal expectation to be ‘breadwinner’ and restricted emotional outlet lead all the men to suffer in silence.
On one side, women have access to various resources like specific helplines, shelters and legal aid services. While on the other hand, these things for men are practically non-existent. This disparity continues to broaden the emotional gap, making men less likely to speak about or stand up against all the abuse, harassment, and emotional distress, that is caused to them.
Legal disparities: Alimony, Divorce, and False allegations
One of the most disputable areas where men face systemic challenges is family law. In India, Alimony , Divorce Settlements, and Child custody are often skewed against men, the simple reason behind which is a presumption that women are the weaker party. Although this assumption might have been relevant decades ago, but in these modern times there is a strict need of reassessment of these outdated norms.
In several cases, men are ordered alimony or prolonged custody battles despite being the primary caregiver or financially dependent on their spouses. The case of Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru based engineer exemplifies the harsh consequences of these imbalances, he allegedly faced harassment from his estranged wife, along with exorbitant demands for financial settlements.Burdened with a lot of pressure and false claims, he tragically ended his life, leaving behind a series of unanswered questions about the misuse of protective laws. This case in the recent past has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for gender neutral legal reforms
The Dark Side of Dowry and Domestic Violence Laws.
Laws preventing women from dowry harassment like section 85 and 86 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, have been incorporated in order to empower women. But over the years, false cases of dowry harassment are gradually increasing leading men to suffer in silence as they have no legal remedy.
Likewise, though the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act(2005) has been a milestone legislation for women, there is no parallel law acknowledging that men too are victims of domestic violence.
Gender-Neutral Legal Reforms: A need for the times
In order to resolve these problems, the law makers and the entire nation needs to step towards legal neutrality. Laws of domestic violence, alimony, and sexual harassment need to protect the victims regardless of gender.
Further, along with legal reforms an improved safety nets to protect men against false cases must be incorporated. This might involve more severe punishments for those filing false claims and quicker timeline of investigations.
Encouraging Men to Talk: The Cultural Transformation
Although legal changes are necessary, change is only possible when societal attitudes shift. Men must be encouraged to speak freely about their feelings without being called "weak" or "unmanly." Schools, workplaces, and community centers must encourage open debate about mental health and emotional well-being.
Encouraging emotional intelligence and deconstructing toxic masculinity must be prioritized in education and parenting. Boys should be educated that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Likewise, men in abusive situations must be empowered to speak out, understanding that their voices will be heard and respected.
Media's Role in Changing the Narrative
Media also plays an important part in shaping public opinion. Rather than upholding stereotypes of the "invulnerable, stoic man," advertisements, TV series, and films should illustrate men as multi-faceted, emotional beings. Campaigns focused on emphasizing men's mental well-being and legal rights can promote awareness and discourage stigma surrounding them.
Coclusion
Equality of gender isn't about belittling one to promote another—it is about ensuring all individuals, irrespective of their gender, have equal access to justice, security, and emotional well-being. By solving the legal and emotional problems of men, India can get closer to a better balanced, empathetic, and human society. It's time to end the ignoring and invisibilizing of men's challenges. It's time to listen, to feel, and to act—because equality for all is a win-win.
References:
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Report – Latest Statistics on Dowry Cases and Suicide Rates: https://ncrb.gov.in/en
2. "The Male Suicide Crisis: Why Men Suffer in Silence" – The Guardian
3. "Why India Needs Gender-Neutral Domestic Violence Laws" – India Today
4. "Misuse of Protective Laws in India and the Case for Gender Neutrality" – Firstpost
5. "Atul Subhash Case: Bengaluru Engineer's Tragic Suicide and Legal Implications" – NDTV
This article is authored by Saloni Jain. She was among the Top 40 performers in the Legal Drafting Quiz Competition organized by Lets Learn Law.
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