December 9, 2024, was a day like any other. People were sharing memes, chatting with friends, and enjoying light-hearted conversations on social media. However, the day took a dark turn when news broke that a software engineer had died by suicide. This was no ordinary individual — it was Atul Subhash, a software engineer working in Bengaluru.
Shortly after, a video started circulating on social media, where Atul blamed his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family for harassment. This sparked conversations about men’s rights across social media platforms. Hashtags demanding government action for men’s rights started trending. People urged authorities to take steps addressing these issues. However, after a few days, the buzz died down, and Atul’s case — like many others — became another forgotten file.
Another Tragedy Follows
A few days later, yet another similar case surfaced. This time, it was Manav Sharma, a Senior Progress Associate Manager at TCS, who died by suicide. In a video, Manav blamed his wife, Nikita Sharma, for his distress. The video reignited social media debates on issues like “Men Are Dying More Than Women,” “Men’s Rights,” and “Abuse of Domestic Laws.”
Are Men Really Victims of Misused Laws?
The growing number of such cases raises critical questions: Are men becoming victims of misuse of laws intended to protect women? Are these tragedies linked to increasing social and legal pressures? To understand this better, let’s look at official data.
What Do Government Reports Say?
In recent years, suicides among men driven by harassment or relationship issues have significantly increased. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the number of men who died by suicide in 2022 was 1,22,724, significantly higher than the 48,172 women who took their own lives.
When focusing on married individuals, the data reveals that 83,713 married men died by suicide compared to 30,771 married women. Among these cases, suicide linked to marital issues accounted for 4.8% among men and 9.6% among women.
Why Are Married Men Dying by Suicide?
Recent years have seen a troubling rise in suicides among men, especially tied to mental health struggles and marriage-related issues. Experts highlight several factors behind this concerning trend:
- Misuse of Dowry and Harassment Laws
- Laws like Section 498A (meant to protect women from dowry harassment) are reportedly being misused in some cases. False accusations often push men into emotional distress, leading them to face legal battles, social stigma, and financial burdens.
- Emotional and Financial Pressure
- Social expectations often dictate that men must bear financial responsibilities, support their families, and remain emotionally strong. Following divorce, men are often required to pay alimony and child support, further adding to their stress.
These pressures contribute to anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
Real-Life Cases of Lost Lives Due to Marital Issues
Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old AI engineer and Deputy General Manager at an automobile firm in Bengaluru, took his life after facing marital issues. He left behind a 24-page suicide note and a video blaming his wife, Nikita Singhania, her brother, and her family for harassment. Atul claimed that his wife had demanded ₹3 crore for a settlement and was already paying her ₹40,000 per month as child support.
In his note, Atul also accused a judge in Jaunpur of corruption, claiming the judge demanded ₹5 lakh to dismiss his case. Atul stated he had already appeared in court 120 times, describing it as mentally and financially exhausting.
Similarly, Manav Sharma, a 25-year-old Senior Progress Associate Manager at TCS, also took his life. In a 6-minute 47-second video, Manav revealed that his wife was involved in an extramarital affair with a man named Abhishek and wanted to live with him. Manav claimed his wife refused to grant him a divorce easily and frequently threatened him with false accusations. Fearing legal trouble and emotional distress, Manav decided to end his life.
How can society and the government help to resolve these issues?
The rising number of suicides among men due to mental health issues is a growing concern. To address this, the government and society must take effective steps to prevent such incidents.
The government should introduce new laws to ensure that individuals do not misuse existing laws to falsely accuse men in dowry harassment cases or other similar matters. Strict action should be taken against those who exploit legal provisions for personal gain.
In addition, the government must ensure that cases related to such issues are resolved swiftly. To achieve this, appointing judges through online platforms could help expedite hearings and ensure thorough investigations.
The government should also establish dedicated mental health support centers for men, where individuals can openly discuss their problems and seek proper guidance. Moreover, launching helpline numbers would provide immediate support for men in distress, allowing them to share their concerns easily.
Lastly, a man’s family should always offer him emotional support, reassuring him that he is not alone. As a society, we must listen to men’s concerns with empathy and trust. Additionally, awareness programs should be conducted to promote understanding and support for men facing mental health challenges.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, remember that help is available. Don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional or reach out to government helplines like the National Mental Health Helpline at 1800-599-0019. Talking to a qualified doctor or counselor can make a significant difference. Remember, you are not alone — taking the first step towards help is a sign of strength.
