Following tragedies like the Bengaluru suicide by a software engineer, reports from Meghalaya, and widespread concerns over misuse of Section 498A (dowry law), many argue that men today face specific legal, social, and mental health challenges. Some believe a National Commission for Men—similar to the existing women’s commission—is overdue. Can it help? Or will it distract from gender equality goals?
Context & Recent Incidents
- A Bengaluru man took his life amid marital disputes, sparking national debate.
- Meghalaya’s matrilineal society has seen men’s rights activists raise concerns about property and family biases.
- Section 498A misuse statistics: Delhi courts saw only ~0.2% convictions in nearly 10,000 dowry cruelty cases (2021–25), with nearly half quashed
- Recent rallies—like a 16,000 km bikers’ campaign—pressed for a Men’s Commission citing rising suicides, domestic violence against men, and false cases
✅ Arguments in Favour
- Legal Representation
- A commission could review misuse of laws like 498A, and campaign for fair, gender-neutral legislation
- Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
- With ~80,000 married men committing suicide in 2022, focused interventions are needed
- Voicing Domestic Violence Cases
- Male victims often face social stigma and lack of legal support; a dedicated body could address underreported domestic abuse
- Abuse of Legal Procurements
- Court and academic studies highlight misuse of anti-dowry laws; a commission might advocate safeguards and reforms
- Policy Review and Awareness
- Can review policies affecting male healthcare, child custody, and societal expectations—spotlighting male victims who currently lack institutional support.
❌ Arguments Against
- Risk of Political Tokenism
- Critics point to Bihar’s spate of caste-based commissions before elections, warning a Men’s Commission might be used for political gain instead of genuine reform
- Gender Equality Balance at Stake
- Women’s rights are still fragile; diverting attention may stall crucial reforms for women.
- Potential Antagonism to Women’s Safety
- Activists like Deepika Bhardwaj argue such commissions could embolden backlash against survivors and weaken protections for abused women
- Already Turned Down by Courts
- The Supreme Court previously dismissed a PIL for a Men’s Commission, noting that presenting one-sided grievance reflects bias
- Need for Evidence-Based Approach
- Critics suggest focusing on better implementation of existing gender-neutral systems and improving men’s mental health coverage within mainstream institutions.
Conclusion
India’s men face real issues—legal misuse, mental health struggles, suicide, and domestic abuse remain overlooked. But a standalone Men’s Commission risks politicizing gender debates and might dilute focus on women’s safety and empowerment.
A more pragmatic path:
- Strengthen gender-neutral grievance redressal,
- Build mental health frameworks for all,
- Ensure justice systems are fair and evidence-driven—and possibly pilot state-level commissions before going national.
📌 Quick Summary Table
| Pros | Cons |
| Manages misuse of dowry and abuse laws | May be used as political gimmick |
| Mental health & suicide support for men | Could undermine women’s rights focus |
| Platform for male domestic violence | Court previously dismissed proposal |
| Pushes for gender-neutral legal reforms | May weaken overall gender justice framework |
FAQs
Q1. What issues would a Men’s Commission handle?
It could oversee false dowry and domestic violence cases, promote mental health, address male suicide, and advocate fair family law reforms.
Q2. Has India ever considered such a commission?
Yes—judicial petitions and activism led to court deliberations, but the Supreme Court rejected the idea, citing bias and one-sided framing
Q3. Are other countries’ Men’s Commissions effective?
Many nations promote gender equality via umbrella commissions handling both men’s and women’s issues—offering a more balanced model than segregated bodies.
