Legal Terrorism Or Social Shield? Analysing The Psychology And Economic Impact Of Misuse Of Dowry Laws On Men And Their Families
Harshita Tiwari, Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya
ABSTRACT
This research paper examines the critical intersection of gender-specific legislation and the escalating mental health crisis among men in India. Over the last decade (2015–2025), data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has highlighted a harrowing trend: men account for a disproportionately high percentage of suicides, with "family problems" and "marriage-related issues" consistently cited as primary triggers. Central to this discourse is Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (and its successor, Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), which, while originally designed as a "shield" to protect women from dowry-related cruelty, has increasingly been scrutinized by the judiciary as a potential "weapon" for legal harassment.
Through a socio-legal lens, this study analyses the psychological and systemic impact of false allegations on the accused. The research identifies a clear correlation between the "presumption of guilt" inherent in current dowry laws and the profound social stigma, professional ruin, and emotional trauma that drive many men to self-harm. By reviewing landmark judicial observations and recent statistical surges in male suicides, the paper argues that the current unilateral legal framework fails to account for male victimization and the complexities of modern domestic abuse.
The paper concludes by advocating for a paradigm shift toward gender- neutral dowry and domestic violence laws. Such reforms would not only uphold the constitutional principle of "Equality before the Law" but also provide much-needed institutional support for male victims of legal coercion. By introducing stricter penalties for the misuse of these laws and establishing a balanced investigative process, the legal system can move toward a more equitable future that protects genuine victims of all genders while safeguarding the mental health of the innocent.
Keywords: Male Suicide Rates, Matrimonial Litigation, Legal Misuse, Domestic Violence Reform, Socio-Legal Study, BNS Section 85.
