Suicide case: It underscores the urgent need to address the misuse of legal provisions

Mumbai, 22 December 2024 (UTN). Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old engineer who specialised in Artificial Intelligence, died by suicide earlier this month in Bangalore. He left behind a 24-page suicide note, a 90-minute video, and a checklist outlining alleged harassment by his estranged wife and her family. The notes talks about alleged false charges of murder, dowry harassment, and unnatural sex by his wife. Popular lawyer Sana Raees Khan says that she has seen many such false dowry cases in her career.“As a lawyer and someone who has dealt with cases involving false allegations, I find Atul Subhash’s tragic death deeply concerning and reflective of a larger systemic issue. 

 

His 24-page suicide note, 90-minute video, and checklist highlight the devastating impact of alleged false accusations on mental health and personal dignity,” she says. She adds, “Atul’s case underscores the urgent need to address the misuse of legal provisions that were originally designed to protect vulnerable individuals. While laws like those against dowry harassment and domestic violence are vital for safeguarding women, their alleged misuse can have catastrophic consequences, as this case painfully illustrates.”

 

She says that it is important to be able to distinguish between genuine dowry cases, and fake ones. “From a legal perspective, it is crucial to strike a balance between protecting genuine victims and preventing the misuse of laws to settle personal scores. Allegations of dowry harassment, unnatural sex, and even murder are severe charges that demand thorough investigation. If found to be false, they should carry consequences for the accuser to deter future misuse. However, in many cases, the accused suffers irreparable damage to their reputation, career, and mental health long before their innocence is established,” she says.

 

She adds, “It would also help if the laws more gender-inclusive. This can ensure fairness and protect individuals of all genders. Courts and law enforcement must acknowledge the psychological toll legal battles take on individuals and provide appropriate support mechanisms. Atul Subhash’s death should serve as a wake-up call for society and the judiciary to critically examine the misuse of protective laws and the toll it takes on individuals. While I strongly support laws that protect genuine victims, I also advocate for reforms that prevent their abuse, ensuring justice for all.”

  

She says that the case needs to be managed well. “This case must be handled with the utmost sensitivity, fairness, and a commitment to uncovering the truth. The tragic loss of Atul Subhash highlights the urgent need for reforms and systemic accountability in dealing with cases of alleged false accusations,” she says.She adds that media attention can work both ways here. “Media trials are a double-edged sword in such cases. Sensationalized reporting often leads to the public forming opinions before investigations are complete, potentially influencing judicial processes, Media trials can vilify either party, leading to irreparable damage to their reputation and further mental trauma.

 

Excessive media scrutiny can pressure law enforcement to act hastily, which may lead to errors in judgment or procedural lapses,” she says. She adds, “The positive aspect of the media is that the coverage can bring attention to systemic issues, such as the misuse of legal provisions, and spark public debate on necessary reforms. Media focus often pushes authorities to act more diligently and transparently. While the media plays an important role in bringing such cases to light, it must act responsibly. Reporting should be factual and balanced, avoiding sensationalism that could jeopardize the investigation or unduly influence public opinion. The focus should remain on justice for the victim and accountability for any wrongdoing.”