India is predominantly a male-dominated society, and men have been considered as what not to prove this dominance. But when we are growing as a society and there are talks of equality and justice for women, have we ever thought for men? The country has a National Commission for Women, a National Commission for Protection of Child Rights for Women and children protection but there are no organizations which raise the voice of men.
On a daily basis we are hearing news about a man who was accused of a harassment, rape, eve teasing etc were acquitted of charges after spending years in jail and being punished for crimes they never committed. A lot of men commit suicide or keep silent when there is domestic violence against them as they know that the laws of this country are women-centric and there are no organizations which will raise voices of men.
Many laws that are present for the protection of women are women-centric to such an extent that even if a man is falsely accused it becomes very difficult for them to prove they aren’t guilty. In recent years a lot of cases filed under the Domestic Violence Act, the Dowry Prohibition Act, sec 376,498A of IPC, and sec. 125 of CrPC have been found to do with ill intention. But as the laws are very much tilted towards the protection of woman’s rights, even falsely accused men cannot do much for their protection.
The only possible way to protect men from such issues can be formation of a body which would take care of all such matters under its umbrella. Therefore, the demand for a National Commission for men is on the lines of NCW. The National Commission for Men would be a body where men who are victims of domestic violence or false acquisitions of charges by women could appeal. Also, the laws of the land need to be looked at.
As the country is getting ready for Uniform Civil Code it would be the perfect time to also think about the issue of the rights of men. Hopefully, we will see a positive move towards this important need of the hour as it would protect many lives.
