A Socio-Legal Study Of Legal Protections For Men Against Abuse Of Gender Laws In India: Equality Before The Law

Authored by: Advocate Aruna Ashish Shinde, LL.M 1^st year, Modern Law College, Pune

Published on: 27^th  March 2026

Abstract

Gender equality, which ensures that everyone is equal before the law and has the same legal protections, is guaranteed under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. Although India's legislative framework has implemented progressive measures to shield women from harassment, discrimination, and violence, there has been increasing criticism over the abuse of several gender-specific rules, which has led to unfair outcomes for men. With an emphasis on laws like Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, this essay critically analyzes the socio-legal ramifications of such misuse.

By looking at statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), court cases, and academic reviews, the research shows how men’s rights are hurt by things like unjust prosecution, social shame, mental health problems, and damage to their reputation.

In order to protect real victims and avoid erroneous inference, this paper makes the case for a move toward gender-neutral legal drafting and balanced procedural safeguards. Time-bound complaint investigations, required preliminary investigations, sanctions for unfounded allegations, and allowing males to benefit from domestic violence and sexual harassment legislation are among the recommendations.

By adopting a socio-legal approach, the paper aims to contribute to a more inclusive understanding of gender justice- one that recognizes the rights and vulnerabilities of all genders. In doing so, it aligns with the theme of “Breaking the Binary” by advocating for legal reforms that transcend traditional gender assumptions and uphold the principle of equality before the law.

Keywords: Equality before law, Article 14, Article 15, Article 21, gender justice, gender neutrality, gender-specific laws, constitutional rights, legal reform, women protection laws, domestic violence, PWDVA 2005, POSH Act 2013, Section 498A IPC

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