Need for Judicial Introspection

The tragic tale of Atul Subhash must lead to judicial and legal reforms, says Ravi Kumar Gupta

- Ravi Kumar Gupta

The recent suicide of Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old Bengaluru-based software engineer, has brought attention to the extreme and devastating misuse of existing legal provisions. It reveals extreme corruption and inefficiency in the judicial system in India and shows how the prolonged legal battles impact the mental health of individuals.

It is not only about Atul Subhash but about lakhs of innocent men who are caught in traps which lead to tragic loss. Recent data released by National Crime Records Bureau also shows a significant increase in suicide rates among men. The alarming suicide rate among men and incidents like Subhash's tragic demise are a wake-up call for the nation to address critical issues in our judicial and legislative frameworks.

It is now common to misuse section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code. His wife, Nikita Singhania, filed nine cases against Atul to get Rs 3 crore. Atul highlighted that over two years he had to attend more than 120 court hearings and had frequently to travel between Bengaluru and Jaunpur, which would have adversely impacted his job. This caused emotional, financial and professional strains leading ultimately to the act of suicide.

Atul's note and his final words "Justice is Due," highlight systemic flaws and call for urgent reforms in the legal and judicial systems. His story sheds light on the plight of countless families who are victimized by the misuse of laws designed to protect but are often weaponized for personal gain.

Several pressing issues deserve consideration.