Not Only One Atul Subhash, There Have Been Lakhs: PIL In SC On ‘False’ Dowry Cases

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court following the suicide of Atul Subhash, an AI engineer from Uttar Pradesh, in Bengaluru. Subhash, 34, reportedly took his life over harassment linked to a divorce settlement demand of ₹3 crore. His case also involved allegations against a sitting judge.

The PIL, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, seeks measures to address the “drastic condition and fate” of married men falsely implicated in dowry and domestic violence cases. Subhash left a 90-minute video and a 40-page suicide note detailing harassment by his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family. The incident has sparked a nationwide debate on men’s rights in marital disputes.

Calls to Reform Dowry and Domestic Violence Laws

The petition argues that dowry laws, originally intended to protect women, have often been misused to meet “unnecessary and illegal demands” or to target husbands’ families during disputes. It highlights a growing number of false cases leading to tragic outcomes for men.

The plea also states that such misuse undermines genuine cases of abuse against women. It claims that lakhs of men have died by suicide after facing multiple cases filed by their spouses. Subhash’s death has reignited calls for reforms in how the law handles divorce, dowry, and child custody disputes.

PIL Suggests Expert Committee and Marriage Registry Reforms

The PIL proposes setting up an expert committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge to review dowry and domestic violence laws and recommend safeguards against misuse. It also calls for mandatory submission of a detailed list of gifts, money, and articles exchanged during marriage with affidavits during marriage registration.

The plea emphasizes that reforms are crucial to prevent further misuse of these laws and ensure justice for all parties. The Supreme Court is yet to respond to the petition.

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