‘Marital laws are loaded against men’

Even as issues with regard to gender rights and equality persist, is the law becoming increasingly biased in favour of women? The Indian Social Awareness and Activism Forum (INSAAF) believes it is so, especially considering that the amendment to the marriage laws passed by the cabinet this year.

The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill was introduced in Parliament in 2010 following the Law Commission’s recommendation that “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” be grounds for divorce.

According to INSAAF members, bowing to pressure from women’s rights groups, the Centre had introduced a radical property division clause and passed it during the Budget session; despite opposition from organisations fighting for men.

“These clauses are specifically targeted at grabbing the husband’s property in the event of a divorce,” said Virag Dhulia, a member of INSAAF. “We have worked hard for the property that we have. What is the sense in getting loans, investing in property and in the event of a divorce, half of it goes to the wife? Women have achieved levels of self-reliance and independence that was not possible earlier. Most have property and money on their own. Is it fair that we should give them our hard earned property, simply because we could not live together?” he asked.