Empowerment is a powerful word—a beacon of hope, progress, and equality. But when empowerment is misused, it transforms from a tool of justice into a weapon of exploitation. A recent tragic incident in Bengaluru involving a software engineer who ended his life due to alleged harassment from his wife over false legal cases brings this disturbing trend to the forefront.
This is not an isolated incident. Across India, numerous men find themselves ensnared in a web of fabricated allegations, from dowry harassment to domestic abuse, with little recourse to prove their innocence. The laws designed to protect women from exploitation, such as Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, are undoubtedly essential. However, their misuse is creating an alarming wave of injustice, leaving many men hopeless and broken.
The Bengaluru case reveals a grim reality. The victim, a tech professional, reportedly faced relentless demands for money and was threatened with false cases if he did not comply. His brother’s statement paints a chilling picture of a man driven to despair by the very laws meant to uphold justice. Such stories raise critical questions: Have we created a society where justice is blind not only to gender but to truth itself?
Statistics and studies underline the gravity of the situation. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a significant number of male suicides are linked to family disputes, often stemming from legal battles and harassment. For every woman suffering due to genuine abuse, there are men trapped in a system where their voices are drowned out by the assumption of guilt.
This issue demands introspection and action on multiple fronts:
- Reforms in Legal Provisions: Laws like Section 498A must be carefully examined. While they must remain stringent for genuine cases, mechanisms need to be implemented to prevent their misuse. A system of penalties for filing false complaints could act as a deterrent.
- Gender-Neutral Laws: Domestic abuse and harassment are not gender-specific issues. Men, too, can be victims, and the legal framework should reflect this reality. Introducing gender-neutral laws could ensure fairer justice.
- Support Systems for Men: Helplines, counseling services, and support groups for men facing harassment need to be established and promoted. The stigma around men seeking help must be dismantled.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Highlighting both sides of the story—empowering women while addressing the exploitation of men—is crucial. Society must recognize that empowerment does not mean immunity from accountability.
Empowerment, when wielded responsibly, is transformative. It uplifts and unites. But when it becomes a tool for exploitation, it erodes trust and justice. The story of the Bengaluru software engineer is a sobering reminder of the consequences of imbalance in our quest for equality.
It’s time we take a hard look at the systems we’ve built and ensure that they serve justice—not just for one gender, but for humanity as a whole. Only then can we truly claim to have achieved equality in its truest sense.
Sonu Tyagi is a writer, director, producer, and advocate for balanced societal reforms. He leads the Approach Entertainment Group and the spiritual organization Go Spiritual.
( These are personal Views. )
Visit us at Sonu Tyagi : www.sonutyagi.com
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Go Spiritual Magazine : www.gospiritualindia.in
