I write to you today, moved deeply by a heartrending incident of Atul Subhash, an engineer from Bangalore, who tragically ended his life out of pressure originating from his ex-wife and the complications related to his alimony. He left behind a vivid 24-page suicide note that broaches the disheveled state of mind he found himself in.

We strive to shed light on the necessity of updating and reforming our laws regarding the dissolution of marriage, ensuring they stand on the pillars of gender equality. The pangs of separation should not be exacerbated by the weight of biased laws, pushing anyone to the brink as it did with Atul.

In India, there is no standard law for property rights in case of a divorce, with practices varying greatly among different personal laws. This often leaves the weaker party - irrespective of gender - at a disadvantage. Furthermore, suicide rates in divorced men are nearly thrice in comparison to divorced women, as per the National Crime Records Bureau 2016 (NCRB).

We're not here to fuel the fire of gender conflict but to douse it with balanced laws. Respect and fairness should be the bedrock of our separation laws, ensuring dignity and equity to both men and women alike. It's paramount that our laws transform to reflect these values, ensuring no one else suffers the fate Atul did.

We beseech the government to review and reform the divorce laws in India to strengthen gender equality and fairness. Your voice and signature can make a difference. Please, sign this petition now. Thank you.

Here is the changes which I am looking for in our existing law:

The Comprehensive Divorce and Family Rights Protection Act, 2024: A Proposal for Legal Reform

The current legal system for divorce and family disputes often leaves both parties vulnerable. In response, this draft law proposes a series of reforms to ensure fairness, protect the rights of both parties, and promote gender equality in family matters. Here are some of the key proposals:

Return of Dowry and Gifts: “In case of divorce, the man must return any dowry or gifts received from the bride’s family, with documented proof.”

Property Claims: “A bride cannot claim the groom's property unless it was earned during the marriage, and only if she was a full-time housewife. Property will be divided fairly, based on the assets created during marriage.”

Child Support and Education: “The groom will pay for the child’s education and living expenses, but only based on government school standards, and will set up an investment to cover these costs.”

Education for the Bride: “The groom will finance the bride’s skill development if she wishes to work, ensuring she becomes financially independent.”

This is just a glimpse of the proposed law. If you believe in fairness, equality, and the protection of all parties in divorce cases, please support this reform by signing the petition. Together, we can create a more just legal system.