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Journalism of Courage
AHMEDABAD, MARCH 20: As we move into the 21st century, it is time to talk about the empowerment of men, tortured and treated unfairly by the fairer sex. The tormented lot protested near the Income Tax Office, under the aegis of Akhil Bhartiya Patni Atyachar Virodhi Sangh, here on Monday.
Their main demanding was the redrafting of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which is `draconian and dogmatic’. Mohommad Ramzan Akbar Mian, a constable, one of the victims of the Act said, "This Act has ruined my life. My wife’s parents accused me of going to Banaskantha and assaulting my wife, when I was on duty that day. This could have cost me my job but I managed to save it."
The protestors also burnt an effigy of a woman, symbolising their oppression at the hands of women. Advocate Utpal Panchal said, "Although the law was amended to help women, it is largely being misused by women and their families to harass the husbands."
Explaining it further he said, "If a woman registers a case against her husband under Section 498A, the police will immediately arrest the accused. It can lead to a maximum of three years’ imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 50,000."
Panchal said that the law was amended to empower women harassed for dowry, but it was being grossly misused by a large number.
Citing the provisions of the Act, he said that relatives of the husband of a woman subjected to cruelty shall be liable to three years’ imprisonment and fine as well.
All the men gathered there had sad stories to tell about being victimised by their better halves. Dhiru J Patel, who has been married for 20 years now, had a bandage on his forehead. Explaining, he said, "I was beaten up by my wife and two sons."
Another tormented husband, Jasubhai Parmar, had paid Rs 10,000 to his wife’s family at the time of marriage but still has been accused of harassing his wife for dowry.
Surprisingly, some of the protestors also included women. Pramila Parmar cited her reason for supporting the cause, "My brother-in-law and my entire family was put behind bars as they were accused by his wife of harassing her."
Sunita Patel said, "The law has been misused by women and their family members as no evidence is required by the complaining woman."
