Atul Subhash Case: Save Indian Family Foundation Calls for Nine Reforms, Six Demands to Prevent Judicial Misuse

Pune, 15th December 2024: In a show of solidarity, over 100 concerned citizens, including men’s rights activists from the Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF), gathered at the Pune District Collector’s Office on Sunday to honor the memory of Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old AI expert who tragically ended his life in Bengaluru. The gathering aimed to pay homage to Subhash while demanding urgent judicial and legislative reforms to address systemic issues faced by men in matrimonial disputes.
Participants submitted over 250 letters and flowers to the Chief Justice of India and principal judges of district courts, urging them to transition from “idle mode” to “action mode” in dealing with men’s grievances. The group called for a judiciary that treats men with dignity and fairness rather than as “criminals or ATMs.”
A Tribute to Atul Subhash
Subhash was described as a brilliant professional and a dear friend whose life was cut short by what activists referred to as the “weaponization” of judicial and police systems in marital conflicts.
“Atul’s struggles represent those faced by countless men in India who are trapped in an oppressive legal system when marriages break down,” said Sameer Goel, SIFF coordinator. “His death underscores the urgent need for reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
The emotional gathering sought to highlight the need for a balanced approach in matrimonial disputes, urging the judiciary to treat men with the same fairness and sensitivity afforded to other groups.
Nine Demands for Judicial and Legislative Reforms
At the event, SIFF laid out nine key demands to reform India’s judicial system:
- Replace “Maintenance” with “Spousal Support”: Replace the term “maintenance” with “spousal support” or assistance to modernize its language and intent.
- Limit Spousal Support to Half the Duration of Marriage: Spousal support should be time-limited, with the duration not exceeding half the length of the marriage. Child support should continue until the child becomes a legal adult or is financially independent.
- Disqualify Employable Women from Spousal Support: Women with professional qualifications (CA, MBA, law, medical, engineering) or those earning above the taxable income threshold should be ineligible for spousal support unless they have a physical or mental disability.
- Restrict Multiple Applications for Spousal Support: Courts should limit spousal support claims to a single application. Subsequent applications should be dismissed with prejudice, regardless of the legal sections invoked.
- Introduce Remote Hearings: Video conferencing should be made an administrative option for litigants living over 300 kilometers away from the court. Courts with limited technology should schedule compressed hearings, such as three court dates spaced three months apart.
- Protect Men’s Right to Work and Travel: Judicial orders should avoid restricting a man’s ability to work or travel. Police visits to workplaces, impounding of passports, and other such actions should be curtailed.
- Implement a “One Marriage, One Court” Policy: All cases between spouses—civil or criminal—should be consolidated and decided in a single court to prevent financial and emotional harassment.
- Stop Arbitrary Arrests Under Section 498A: Arrests under Section 498A, often used in dowry harassment cases, should be halted unless proper investigation is conducted to prevent misuse.
- Ensure Fair Trials and Investigations: Complaints should not automatically lead to FIRs. Police should be encouraged to file “B Reports” (closure reports) in cases lacking evidence, and courts should actively discharge accused individuals where applicable.
Additional Six Demands to the Government
Apart from the judicial reforms, SIFF also made six broader demands to the government:
- Establish a Parliamentary Enquiry Committee: A committee should investigate Atul Subhash’s case, interact with his family, friends, and civil society, and analyze systemic issues in matrimonial disputes.
- Reform the Judicial Ecosystem: A parliamentary committee should be formed to draft and implement reforms aimed at creating a judicial system sensitive to men’s issues.
- Address Root Causes: The government must focus on the root causes of judicial and procedural flaws, rather than providing temporary fixes.
- Prevent Malicious Prosecution: Amendments should be made to penalize those who file false cases. Section 211 of the IPC, which deals with malicious prosecution, must be enforced effectively.
- Protect Right to Life and Liberty: The judiciary must respect Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring the right to life, liberty, and dignity for all, including men.
- Investigate Suicides Related to Matrimonial Issues: The government should constitute a parliamentary committee to examine suicides related to marital disputes and submit a detailed report within six months.
Judicial System Under Scrutiny
SIFF criticized the judiciary for its lack of compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, particularly in matrimonial disputes like the Rajesh vs. Neha case. Activists noted that maintenance and alimony orders are often passed without proper evidence, and litigants are denied video conferencing options despite living far from the courts.
“Courts are failing to protect men’s rights,” said Pandurang Katti, co-founder of SIFF. “False complaints often lead to harassment without consequences for the accuser. The system must change to ensure fairness and accountability.”
A Call for Systemic Change
SIFF counselor Sagar Gunthal emphasized the urgent need for a “One Marriage, One Court” policy to consolidate all matrimonial cases in one jurisdiction.
“This would prevent men from being dragged into multiple courts across cities, saving them from severe financial, physical, and mental harassment,” Gunthal said.
About SIFF
Founded in 2005, SIFF is India’s largest men’s rights organization, advocating for reforms in dowry laws, Section 498A misuse, alimony regulations, and child custody policies. The organization also campaigns for broader judicial and police reforms to ensure fairness in matrimonial disputes.
With chapters across India and cities worldwide, including London, Sydney, and Dubai, SIFF has become a global voice for men’s rights and justice.
A Wake-Up Call for India
The tragic death of Atul Subhash has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for judicial reforms. As citizens gathered at the Pune Collector’s Office to pay their respects, the letters and flowers they sent to India’s top judges carried a unified message: the need for a fairer and more humane judicial system.
Through collective action, SIFF and its supporters hope to prevent further tragedies and create a future where justice is truly equitable for all.