Hundreds of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi for the #BetaBachaoMarch, demanding justice in the Atul Subhash case and highlighting concerns over alleged false cases of domestic violence, dowry, and Section 498A. Participants argued that the legal system disproportionately criminalizes men, leading to wrongful imprisonments and severe mental distress.
The protest was attended by people from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Kerala. Among the attendees was Vikas Modi, the brother of late Atul Subhash, whose case has become a rallying point for men’s rights activists.
As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, which states that over 1.18 lakh men die by suicide annually in India, with a significant number allegedly linked to matrimonial disputes. They claimed that outdated medical reports and biases in the legal system contribute to unjust trials and verdicts.
A significant highlight of the protest was the participation of women who stood in solidarity with the cause, acknowledging the impact of legal biases on families.
Prominent social activists like Barkha Trehan, Mrinal Wokhloo, Deepika Bharadwaj, and Shonee Kapoor were present, along with journalists, filmmakers, and media professionals, amplifying the march’s message.
The protest aimed to bring attention to the alleged gaps between court verdicts and real-life justice, calling for legal reforms and a more balanced approach to matrimonial disputes in India.The protest concluded with a strong message: Justice should not be gendered, and legal systems must ensure fairness for both men and women.
