Citing misuse, PIL in SC seeks review of dowry, domestic violence laws

In the wake of public outcry over Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash's suicide, a PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court, alleging misuse of dowry and domestic violence laws against men. The petition seeks guidelines to prevent misuse of such laws.

The PIL filed by Vishal Tiwari has sought the constitution of a committee consisting of former Supreme Court judges, lawyers and legal experts to review and reform the existing dowry and domestic violence laws and curb their misuse.

The petitioner has contended that laws against dowry and domestic violence were brought in with the objective of protecting married women, but these laws have now become a weapon in the hands of women to harass husbands and his parents.


Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old software engineer, had committed suicide in Bengaluru. He left behind an elaborate suicide note and also made a video, blaming his wife and her family of harassing him and filing false cases against him, forcing him to commit suicide.