Indian Husbands charged with biased matrimonial laws, such as IPC 498A, CrPC 125, Domestic violence Act, are treated worst than “Ajmal Amir Kasab”

India, May 5, 2010: “Family Harmony Society” is a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) promoting the cause of “family harmony” and “gender equality”.

This NGO was formed in 2005 in Bangalore and is having presence in 16 states and in abroad too. “We formed this NGO to protect and fight for the rights of the MEN. Everyone is concerned only about the rights of women but the society and Governments has forgotten about MEN’s right” says FHS activists.

“When there is a ministry for even animal (Animal Husbandry Ministry) why not for MEN?” asks FHS activists and demands a ‘MEN’s welfare ministry’. “In case of matrimonial disputes between husband and wife all the related laws are made heavily in favor of estranged wife, giving no chance to husbands or his parents to defend. Why husbands are treated worst than criminals and terrorist?” asks FHS activists.

Ajmal Amir Kasab was provided with free Government advocate and even though everyone knew he is guilty, enormous amount of resource of Government and Judiciary was wasted for his trial, but in case of matrimonial disputes when an estranged wife file a false complaint under IPC 498A, all the members of the husbands including females members like mother-in-law, sister-in-law and age old grandfather, grandmother are immediately arrested and sent to jail. Even minor children are not spared. What crime we have done? Are we worst than Ajmal Amir Kasab that without proving any charges we are arrested and sent to jail? Why each and every failed marriage is branded as Dowry case? Why each and every wife’s death is converted to dowry death case without an iota of proof and evidence. FHS activists had asked these uncomfortable questions to the Government.

Between 1995 to 2008, total of 2481660 males were arrested by police for all cognizable offence and the corresponding figure for male in 2008 was 2713971 which on sequential base is an increase of 9.36%. In 1995, total of 106079 females were arrested by police for all cognizable offence and the corresponding figure for female in 2008 was 168315 which on sequential base is an increase of 58.67%. “So it is clear that Women criminal are on rise but in our country MEN only are considered worst than terrorist. Why this discrimination?” Asks FHS activists.

An analysis of the National Crime Records Bureau www.ncrb.nic.in, between 1995 to 2008, shows that the suicide rate of MEN is increasing at an alarming rate compared to Women and most of it is attributed to “family problems”. “So government data itself shows that MEN are overburdened with responsibilities and Women are asking for equal rights but are not ready to share equal responsibilities. Why this third rate treatment to MEN?” asks FHS activists?

Table showing suicide data of MEN and WOMEN from 1995 to 2008
Year Male Female Total
1996 51206 37035 88241
1997 56281 39548 95829
1998 61686 43027 104713
1999 65488 45099 110587
2000 66032 42561 108593
2001 66314 42192 108506
2002 69332 41085 110417
2003 70221 40630 110851
2004 72651 41046 113697
2005 72916 40998 113914
2006 75702 42410 118112
2007 79295 43342 122637
2008 80544 44473 125017
Total 887668 543446 1431114