Blame, shame and victimization of men under anti-dowry laws: The legal miscarriage

• Author Details:   
• Deepak Juyal ^*
• Shweta Thaledi
• Benu Dhawan

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Dowry has been a menace in Indian society for long and to combat the same Indian legislators enacted various laws. However, instead of ‘shield’, these laws, section 498A of Indian penal code (currently Section 85 and 86 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita [BNS]) in particular, is now being used by women as an ‘armor’ to threaten, harass and exploit men for personal gratification and benefits. While these laws were designed to protect women from injustice, little consideration has been given for the legal course available to men when such laws are misused. Such misuse, not only undermines the true intent and spirit of the legislation, but also causes undue suffering to innocent individuals and it is certainly unjust to assume that domestic violence happens to women only. While proper and fair implementation of these laws remains essential, there is an urgent need for lawmakers to introduce necessary reforms in the existing laws to curb their misuse and ensure justice for all.

Keywords: Domestic violence, Dowry deaths, Misuse, Legal terrorism, Section 498A, Suicide.