Women, often perceived as a “vulnerable” group, may or may not actually be so! This vulnerability depends on- physical or social capabilities in question. Physically, women could be vulnerable, however, socially they’re rarely so. This inherently directs policies and laws to be women centric, keeping them at advantage.

Gender is a social construct which propels equality of both men and women. Measures like women centric laws and political reservations are instances of gender advantages. Women in India have been known to misuse the Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which is meant to protect them from domestic violence. Women often file false complaints of domestic violence against their husbands and in-laws to gain leverage in divorce proceedings or to extort money. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act is misused by women to gain an unfair advantage in divorce proceedings or to harass their husbands and in-laws.

Moreover, in child custody cases, women tend to manipulate the mother-roles so hard that a father’s role is sometimes sidelined.

In Chander Bhan v. State 2008, the Delhi High Court held that “there is no iota of doubt that most of the complaints are filed in the heat of the moment over trifling fights and ego clashes. It is also a matter of common knowledge that in their tussle and ongoing hostility, the hapless children are the worst victims.”

All in all, we need to understand that women alone are not victims and men alone are not the accused. Carrying a neutral approach to all genders is essential.