‘Men, too, can be victims’: Ex-AAP MP calls for National Commission for Men, cites Pune Ketan Agarwal murder case

Men Too Can Be Victims: Ex-AAP MP Proposes National Commission for Men

Theindiapostdaily.com – Men too can be victims of gender-based violence, a critical issue highlighted by the tragic death of Ketan Agarwal, a 20-year-old real estate agent from Pune. His murder by his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged partner, Chetan Chaudhary, has sparked renewed calls for a National Commission for Men. Ashok Kumar Mittal, a former AAP MP and founder of Lovely Professional University, has championed this initiative, arguing that systemic gender bias often overlooks the vulnerabilities faced by men. The case underscores the need for institutional support to ensure justice for all, regardless of gender.

Pune Ketan Agarwal Murder Case: A Catalyst for Change

The incident involving Ketan Agarwal, which occurred on June 18, has drawn national attention. Agarwal was reportedly pushed from Lohagad Fort by his fiancée and her partner, leading to his fatal fall. Both accused have been placed in judicial custody for 14 days, with the court dismissing their requests to extend police custody or conduct a polygraph test after they declined the examination. The case has become a symbol of how societal expectations can leave men in precarious situations, even in the face of domestic abuse.

The tragic event has intensified debates about gender dynamics in Indian society. While women often face visible challenges like domestic violence or sexual assault, men are frequently dismissed as perpetrators rather than victims. Mittal argues that the Agarwal case exemplifies this disparity, emphasizing that men also require legal and social protection. He believes the establishment of a dedicated commission would address these overlooked issues and foster a more equitable justice system.

Provisions of the National Commission for Men Bill

The National Commission for Men Bill, introduced in 2025, aims to create a statutory body similar to the National Commission for Women (NCW). This commission would investigate cases of gender-based harm against men and recommend reforms to protect their rights. The bill specifies that the commission’s chairperson and vice-chairperson should have at least 15 years of expertise in law, public administration, or gender studies. It also mandates the inclusion of at least one representative from Scheduled Castes or Tribes and one under 40 years old to ensure diversity in representation.

Under the proposed legislation, the commission would possess powers akin to a civil court, enabling it to conduct independent inquiries. Its responsibilities would include analyzing policies affecting men’s rights, addressing issues such as mental health, unemployment, and domestic abuse, and offering counseling and legal aid to those in crisis. Mittal has also advocated for partnerships with educational institutions to promote gender-sensitive awareness campaigns, aiming to educate young men about emotional intelligence and their rights in relationships.

Ensuring Gender Equality Without Undermining Women’s Protections

To prevent the National Commission for Men from overshadowing women’s rights, the bill sets clear boundaries. It stipulates that the commission cannot intervene in cases where women are victims unless a court formally declares the complaint as false, malicious, or a legal abuse. Mittal stresses that the goal is not to weaken existing protections for women but to create a parallel mechanism that ensures men receive the same level of attention and support. This balance is crucial for fostering a comprehensive approach to gender equality.

The bill’s framework reflects Mittal’s commitment to equitable justice. By establishing a body that focuses on men’s issues, he seeks to address the underrepresentation of male victims in legal and social discourse. The commission would work alongside existing institutions, such as the NCW, to provide a more holistic view of gender-based challenges. Mittal argues that this initiative could lead to policy changes that benefit both men and women, strengthening the overall framework for gender equity.

Private Bills and the Path to Legislation

Private bills like the National Commission for Men proposal face significant challenges in becoming law. Since India’s independence, only 14 private bills have successfully passed into legislation, and none have cleared both parliamentary houses since 1970. Mittal’s bill, introduced in Rajya Sabha, is one of many that could influence future gender equity debates. Its passage would require negotiation, consensus, and a shift in public perception about the role of men in gender-based violence.

Despite the hurdles, Mittal remains optimistic about the bill’s potential. He points to growing awareness of men’s vulnerabilities as a positive sign, suggesting that the Agarwal case has galvanized support for such reforms. The proposal also highlights the importance of legal frameworks in recognizing and addressing the diverse experiences of individuals across genders. As discussions around the bill continue, it may serve as a pivotal step toward achieving a more balanced and inclusive justice system in India.