Whenever we talk about domestic violence, we mostly consider the perpetrator to be male. We often fail to consider that men, too, can be victims of domestic violence and women can subject them to physical and emotional abuse.
The Madras High Court recently highlighted this during a case hearing. According to India Today, the court noted how it is “unfortunate” that there is no provision like the Domestic Violence Act for a husband to proceed against his wife when he is subjected to cruelty.
The case was pertaining to a veterinary doctor who lost his job because his now ex-wife had filed a complaint against him alleging domestic abuse just a few days before their divorce.
In 2015, the wife had filed for divorce accusing her husband of domestic violence. The husband too filed a complaint alleging that his wife was subjecting him to “cruelty” and was deserting him “voluntarily”.
Just 4 days before the verdict of the divorce, the woman allegedly sent a complaint to the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Following this, the husband was suspended from his job, reports TOI.
The Madras High Court said, “The timing of the complaint clearly shows that she had anticipated the divorce order and created unnecessary trouble to the petitioner.”
“It appears that only to harass the petitioner, the present complaint has been lodged by his wife based on which the department placed him under suspension,” the court said.
Adding to this, the court said, “Husband and wife must realise that ego and intolerance are like footwear and should be left out of their house when they enter the home. Else, the child/children will have to face a miserable life.”
Finally, the court ordered the Director of Animal Husbandry to reinstate the petitioner in 15 days.
What do you think of this incident? Tell us.