Legal Rights of Men in India: The Impact of Section 498A, Domestic Violence Act, and Other Laws

Indian men's legal rights in marriage-related issues and family law concerns are covered in this chapter. Section 498A IPC and the Domestic Violence Act are critically examined in light of gender neutrality in law. These laws protect women from harassment, cruelty, and domestic abuse, major societal concerns. Over time, questions have arisen about their abuse and legal prejudice against males. Many men and their families have suffered unfair arrests, mental agony, financial hardships, and lengthy legal battles due to false charges. Judicial interpretations, landmark judgements, and statistics are examined to determine how these laws are applied in real-lives. It explores how courts have identified abuse and prevented unfair prosecution. Falsely accused males face persecution, social humiliation, and financial devastation due to insufficient legal protections. The research also explores how such instances effect child custody, alimony, and property settlements, which can damage men's life. This chapter examines the psychological, social, and economic effects of false allegations on males. Many wrongly accused males suffer sadness, anxiety, and reputation loss, hurting their personal and professional life. Due to lengthy court fights, accused families endure social estrangement and financial hardship. These incidents demonstrate the need for legislative reforms and improved ways to distinguish abuse from deception. Men in India can quash false cases, file counter-suits for defamation and perjury, and seek compensation for unfair prosecution. These therapies are time-consuming and expensive, leaving many men with little choices. Also highlighted are human rights organisations, men's rights campaigners, and legal advocacy groups' roles in spreading awareness. India has seen a rising debate on men's rights and calls for gender-inclusive legislation which protect both of them in common. Some experts propose men's commissions like the National Women Commission to counter false claims, marital abuse, and legal harassment. judicial changes, enforcement improvements, and awareness efforts are needed to build a fair and balanced judicial system. This report recommends policy, judicial, and legislative changes to promote gender-neutral justice. This chapter addresses the legal, social, and psychological barriers wrongly accused males have to participate to the gender equality and legal justice discourse in India.