The tragic death of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash, 34, has sparked discussions on harassment, misuse of legal provisions, and allegations of corruption in the judiciary. Atul, who worked as the deputy general manager of a private firm, died by suicide on December 9 at his Bengaluru apartment, leaving behind a detailed 24-page suicide note accusing his wife, her family, and a judge of harassment and corruption.
“Broken from Inside”
Atul’s father, Pawan Kumar, speaking from their home in Bihar’s Samastipur, said his son was mentally tortured after a series of cases were filed against him and his family by his wife starting in January 2021.
“My son used to say that there is a lot of corruption, but he will fight as he is on the path of truth. He was broken from inside, though he didn’t tell anyone anything,” Pawan Kumar told media.
Kumar alleged that the harassment extended to the judiciary, claiming a judge demanded Rs 5 lakh to “settle the case” during mediation proceedings.
Series of Allegations
Atul Subhash, in his suicide note, alleged that his wife had filed nine cases against him under various sections, including murder, sexual misconduct, harassment for money, domestic violence, and dowry. The note repeatedly highlighted his plea for justice, with the words “Justice is due” written on every page.
Atul’s brother, Vikas, also accused his sister-in-law of filing false cases against the entire family, stating, “False cases have been filed on me and my parents, just like they were filed on my brother. Action should be taken against all those who mentally tortured him.”
Vikas added that Atul had reached out to several leaders and institutions, including the President and the Supreme Court, detailing his plight.
“If those emails have reached them, we hope action is taken and some laws, forums, or committees are made where men can go to seek justice. Laws made to empower women are being misused,” he said.
Police Investigation and Legal Concerns
A four-member team from Bengaluru Police visited Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, the residence of Atul’s in-laws, to investigate the case.
Atul’s father reiterated the allegations against the judiciary, describing a mediation process where demands escalated from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 and finally Rs 5 lakh, allegedly by the judge.
Supreme Court Observations on Section 498A
On December 11, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which penalizes cruelty by husbands and their relatives against married women.
A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh, while quashing a Section 498A case in an unrelated matter, remarked that the provision is often misused as a tool for personal vendetta.
Call for Justice
Atul Subhash’s family and friends are urging authorities to take action against those who harassed him, emphasizing the need for balanced legal frameworks that protect men from false accusations.
Atul’s death underscores a broader debate about safeguarding the rights of both men and women within India’s legal system, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to prevent misuse of protective laws.