Lok Sabha Question No. 3451 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Male Victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3451

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## MALE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE

## +3451.  SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA:

Will the Minister of Women and Child Development be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to bring in a gender-neutral law to ensure that men who are victims of crimes like domestic violence get adequate legal protection, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b) the steps being taken by the Government to address the lack of legal provisions for men who are victims of sexual harassment and assault;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  create  shelter  and  support  services exclusively for male victims of domestic violence and abuse, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government ensure that existing laws are not prejudicial to male victims of false allegations or gender-based violence and if so, the measures being taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (e) whether the Government has any proposal for male victims under the existing domestic violence laws and if so, the time frame by which these changes are likely to be made?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SAVITRI THAKUR)

(a)  to (e): Women across the globe including in India, due to patriarchal mind-set and societal norms have faced disproportionate and perpetual discrimination and harassment over a period of time. Taking cognizance of this fact, the Constitution of India under Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on the ground of Race, Religion, Caste, Sex, Place of Birth, makes an exception to empower the State to make special provisions for women and children. This provision has led to numerous affirmative actions by the Government, including the enactment of several gender-specific and women-centric laws. These laws are aimed at ensuring safety, dignity and holistic empowerment of women, and to protect them from violence and discrimination. They address  critical  issues  such  as  sexual  harassment,  domestic  violence,  workplace safety, and the provision of equal opportunities etc.

While these laws are primarily for the protection of women, the men who face any kind of harassment, assault, or violence can seek redressal under existing criminal laws and constitutional remedies, depending on the nature and degree of the offence.

Additionally, the following legal provisions ensure justice in cases of false allegations:

- i. Section 246 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 which is regarding 'Dishonestly  making  a  false  claim  in  court'  provides  for  punishments  for making  a claim in court knowing it to be false or with the intent to injure or annoy any person.
- ii. Section 248 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 which is regarding 'False charge of offense made with intent to injure' provides for punishments for those who with the intent to cause injury to any person, institutes or causes to be instituted any criminal proceeding against that person, or falsely charges any person with having committed an offence, knowing that there is no just or lawful ground for such proceeding or charge against that person.

*****