Does India Need a Men’s Commission

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

  1. Legal Representation
    • A commission could review misuse of laws like 498A, and campaign for fair, gender-neutral legislation
  2. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
    • With ~80,000 married men committing suicide in 2022, focused interventions are needed
  3. Voicing Domestic Violence Cases
    • Male victims often face social stigma and lack of legal support; a dedicated body could address underreported domestic abuse
  4. Abuse of Legal Procurements
    • Court and academic studies highlight misuse of anti-dowry laws; a commission might advocate safeguards and reforms
  5. 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

  1. 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
  2. Gender Equality Balance at Stake
    • Women’s rights are still fragile; diverting attention may stall crucial reforms for women.
  3. Potential Antagonism to Women’s Safety
    • Activists like Deepika Bhardwaj argue such commissions could embolden backlash against survivors and weaken protections for abused women
  4. 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
  5. 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.

 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/rjd-mocks-formation-of-new-commissions-by-govt-in-election-year/articleshow/121552362.cms

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