Atul Subhash: A Name That Shook the System and Society - Time To Speak For Men's Rights

The tragic death of Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old engineer, has exposed the deep flaws in our societal and legal systems. Atul’s suicide, accompanied by a 90-minute video and a 23-page suicide note, sheds light on the torment he endured due to alleged dowry harassment and systemic neglect. His story is a wake-up call for society to address the growing challenges faced by men in similar situations.

From a Promising Life to an Unthinkable End

Atul was an educated, successful engineer with a bright future ahead of him. His life seemed complete after his marriage in 2019 and the birth of his child the following year. However, his seemingly happy life took a sharp turn in 2021 when his wife left with their son to live with her parents. From then on, Atul was caught in a web of financial demands and legal battles that ultimately pushed him over the edge.

His wife allegedly filed nine cases against him, including Section 498A, which deals with cruelty against women by husbands or in-laws. Atul claimed in his suicide note that these cases were baseless and were used to harass him. Overwhelmed by the legal and emotional strain, he saw no other way out.

The Weight of the System

Atul’s struggle against the system was marked by:

120+ court hearings in just 2.5 years.
40 trips from Bengaluru to Jaunpur for hearings.
Frequent involvement of his family members in legal proceedings.
Despite these efforts, the judicial and legal systems offered no respite. His pleas for justice went unheard, and the emotional toll became unbearable. Atul’s final video shows a man devoid of emotion—his face reflecting emptiness and resignation. The calmness with which he narrated his struggles is chilling and reveals the depth of his despair.

Dowry: A Curse That Took Another Life

Dowry-related cases are often associated with women as victims. However, Atul’s death highlights the less-discussed reality that men, too, can become victims of harassment under the guise of dowry disputes. In his suicide note, Atul detailed his wife’s alleged behavior, including taunts and demands for money. He recounted a particularly harrowing exchange:
"I thought you'd already committed suicide by now," his wife reportedly said.
Atul wrote:
"If I die, how will your family sustain itself?"
Her alleged reply:
"Even then, it’ll continue. Your father will pay. After your death, your parents will also die, and I’ll inherit everything."

498A: A Double-Edged Sword

Laws like Section 498A, designed to protect women from dowry harassment, are essential in addressing genuine cases of abuse. However, cases like Atul’s highlight how these laws can sometimes be misused to harass men.

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2021

1,64,033 suicides were reported in India, of which 81,063 were by married men.
33.2% of these men cited family problems as the reason, while 4.8% attributed their suicides to marital issues.
These statistics underscore the need to address the silent suffering of men in abusive marriages. While the focus remains on protecting women, the plight of men like Atul is often overlooked, leaving them without recourse or support.

Atul’s Final Plea

In his final 90-minute video, Atul made several poignant statements that reflect his despair and his desire for justice:
"Do not immerse my ashes until those who harassed me are punished. If justice is not served, let my ashes flow in the gutter outside the court."

These words highlight not only his frustration with the system but also his deep sense of betrayal by society. His calm demeanor in the video, despite the severity of his situation, is a stark reminder of how people can silently endure immense pain.

The Need for Change

Atul’s death is not an isolated incident. It is a reflection of systemic failures that need urgent attention. Several steps can be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future:

Preventing the Misuse of Laws

While laws like Section 498A are crucial for protecting women, mechanisms should be in place to prevent their misuse. False cases not only harm the accused but also undermine the credibility of genuine victims.

Addressing Men’s Mental Health

The stigma surrounding men’s mental health needs to be dismantled. Men should feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Faster Judicial Processes

The prolonged nature of legal battles can take a significant toll on the mental and emotional well-being of individuals. Courts must prioritize cases involving marital disputes to ensure timely resolutions.

Awareness Campaigns

Campaigns should be launched to raise awareness about the rights and resources available to men facing abuse or false accusations.

A Message to Society

Atul’s death is a stark reminder that societal expectations and systemic neglect can push individuals to the brink. It is essential to foster a more inclusive and empathetic society where the struggles of all individuals, regardless of gender, are acknowledged and addressed.

Atul’s case also serves as a call to action for policymakers, judicial authorities, and mental health professionals to work together to create a support system that prevents such tragedies.

A Final Thought

Atul’s story is a tragic example of what can happen when people feel unheard and unsupported. His death should not be just another statistic—it should be a catalyst for change. Society must ensure that no one else feels the way Atul did.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or facing harassment, seek help. Remember, no problem is insurmountable, and there is always a way forward. Atul’s story should inspire us to build a system where every individual, regardless of gender, feels protected and valued.