19/11/2025
International Men's Day: The Unheard Plea for a Men's Rights Commission
November 19th marks International Men's Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about men's health, improving gender relations, and highlighting positive male role models. However, in the Indian context, this day serves as a stark reminder of a growing constitutional void: the absence of a dedicated body to address the welfare and grievances of men.
The Myth of Invincibility
Society often views men through the lens of traditional stoicism—providers and protectors who are immune to suffering. This cultural conditioning, combined with a legal framework heavily tilted towards the protection of women, has created a dangerous blind spot. While laws protecting women were historically necessary, the current legal landscape lacks a counterbalance to address the misuse of these very statutes.
The Legal Imbalance
In India, the discourse on gender justice is often one-sided. Section 498A of the IPC (now BNS), the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and various maintenance laws are frequently termed "pro-women." While intended to shield the vulnerable, they are increasingly weaponized to settle personal scores.
Unlike women, who have the National
Commission for Women (NCW) to champion their cause and intervene in cases of injustice, men have no equivalent statutory body. When a man faces false allegations of dowry harassment, domestic violence, or r**e, he faces social ostracization and legal battles often with a presumption of guilt, yet he has no specific forum to approach for redressal.
The Grim Statistics
The need for protection is not theoretical; it is statistical. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data consistently reveals that married men constitute a significant demographic in su***de statistics, often citing family problems and legal abuse. The mental health crisis among men is exacerbated by a system that offers little empathy and even less legal recourse for their specific victimization.
The Need for a Men's Rights Commission
Establishing a National Commission for Men (NCM) is not an act of misogyny; it is an act of equity. A dedicated commission is essential to:
* Monitor Misuse of Laws: Analyze data regarding false cases and recommend legal amendments to penalize perjury.
* Mental Health Support: Provide crisis intervention and counseling for men facing family litigation.
* Policy Advocacy: Ensure that gender-neutral language is adopted in new legislations.
* Study Su***de Rates: Conduct research into the high su***de rates among men and propose state-level interventions.
Conclusion
Equality cannot be selective. As we celebrate International Men's Day, we must acknowledge that protecting men’s rights does not diminish women’s rights. A Men's Rights Commission is the need of the hour to restore faith in the judicial process and ensure that justice is truly blind.
Article Written by Venkata Mohana Rao Pathakota