Men’s Rights in India: A Growing Concern

A highly ignored issue which will affect the face of Family and Society in Nation.

Men’s rights in India has failed to gain attention even after the growing violence against men, it includes various legal and social challenges. Historically, gender issues have often focused on women’s rights which has affected the very intention of Gender Equality.

Men’s rights movement has emerged advocating for the rights and well-being of men, particularly in areas like domestic violence, false accusations, and men’s mental health.

Need for Men’s Rights Advocacy

In India, societal expectations and legal frameworks has put men in difficult situations. Men face issues like:

• False accusations of domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry harassment cases or by misusing the process of women centric laws.
• Biased custody battles: in proceedings men are often sidelined.
• Men’s mental health issues: with higher rates of suicide among men compared to women.
• Fulfilling gender roles: Societal pressures to being the primary breadwinner, emotional suppression, household works, child care.

Helpline for Men is playing a crucial role in raising these often overlooked issues by focusing on the rights and well-being of men

Men Affected by using Legal Framework

India’s legal system has several laws designed to protect women from domestic violence, dowry harassment, and abuse such as Section 498A, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Rape Laws, POCSO Act. All these acts are biased in nature and male are only treated as perpetrators.

One of the most concerning aspects is that a criminal case can be filed against men based solely on a woman’s statement, without substantial investigation or evidence. This lack of scrutiny has resulted in the highest rate of misuse of these provisions, leading to devastating legal consequences for innocent men.

Helpline for Men, argues about the gender equality, a balance to prevent misuse and to protect innocent men.

Issues Men Face:

• False 498A (dowry cases): men are facing false accusations under this law, leading to arrests without proper investigation.
• Domestic Violence: While women are protected by the law, but there is no law addressing domestic violence against men.
• Alimony and maintenance: Men often face a significant financial burden and struggle for their financial rights as the provisions of laws are biased and favors women
• Child Custody: Men often struggle for their parental rights. Father’s has just become the week-end dads, they get access of their child in a month for 1-2 hours.
• Suicide Rates: NCRB Statistics show that men are more likely to commit suicide due to familial issues.

Role of Men Helpline

Helpline for Men playing a key role in the men’s rights movement in India. Men Helpline founded to provide a safe space for men, with the help of volunteers we supports the male victim by:

• Legal Advice: Assisting men who are wrongly accused in legal cases (like dowry or domestic violence).
• Counseling: Offering psychological and emotional support to men.
• Advocacy: Pushing for legal reforms.
• Community Building: Creating a network of men who support each other through peer counseling and shared experiences.

How Men Helpline Helps:

• Confidential Helplines: Offering 24/7 assistance for men facing legal issues.
• Legal Resources and Representation: Partnering with lawyers and legal experts to guide men through their cases.
• Online Forums: Providing a platform for men to share their stories, ask for advice, and find community support.
• Workshops and Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on issues affecting men and advocating for gender-neutral laws.

Toward a Balanced Society

We believe that our legal and societal frameworks must evolve to ensure fairness and protection for all genders. Platforms like Helpline for Men or Men Helpline are crucial in bringing attention to men’s rights and providing support to those in need. The ultimate goal is a more balanced society where both men and women can coexist without facing undue societal or legal prejudice.