Shishi (29), a software engineer, had to lose his job after his wife allegedly implicated him in false case of dowry harassment (Section 498-A) and other cases like domestic violence.

Key Highlights Men feel the Indian laws are heavily tilted towards women, if a man is raped, there is no relevant section of the IPC

Women have been misusing laws to harass them and their parents, prosters say

Men as old as 50-yr-old, who have been fighting court cases for decades, came to join the protest

JAIPUR: Shishi (29), a software engineer, had to lose his job after his wife allegedly implicated him in false case of dowry harassment (Section 498-A) and other cases like domestic violence. He was part of a group of over 50 men who staged a dharna in the city against the alleged misuse of 498-A and Domestic Violence Act that had led to several of them facing financial problems and regular visits to courts.

"My wife also implicated my brother, sister, and parents in the case. I am mentally depressed and there is no proper law that could give us a fair and proper hearing," he added. The group under the banner of "Save Indian families" demanded that the Centre must set up a separate National Commission for Men (NCM) on the lines of National Commission of Women that could safeguard their interests.

"Today, the Indian laws are heavily tilted towards women. If a man is raped, there is no relevant section of the IPC. Similarly, some women have been exploiting these laws to harass us and our parents," said Dr Anil Rao, a resident of Jhunjhunu whose wife had filed series of cases against him from dowry to domestic violence.

Dr Rao added that while protection rights of women are important, it should not be at the cost of men. The protesters said that men equally face the domestic violence but don't have adequate legal provisions under which they could defend themselves."My wife used to beat me up regularly, when I filed for divorce, she accused me of domestic violence and sent me to jail. She accused my 67-year-old father of sexual harassment and demanded maintenance," said Rajesh (name changed).

Men as old as 50-years-old came to the protest and said that they had been fighting for cases for decades. "My wife left me and two of my children 20 years ago. I have a small shop and I can not pay hefty fees for law cases. I have sold my house and my children are unable to study further," said Ajay.

