Pune, Maharashtra [India], December 26, 2024: Rest The Case, a leading legal platform, recently hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on the topic “All Men’s Lives Matter: Addressing Gender Bias and Advocating for Men’s Rights in India.” The event brought together some of the most prominent legal minds to engage in an insightful conversation on the urgent need for gender-neutral policies and the importance of addressing men’s issues in the Indian legal and societal framework.
The distinguished panel featured Adv. Kanchan Singh (Senior Advocate, Lucknow High Court), Adv. Vinayak Bhatia (Expert in Criminal Law and Property Disputes), and Adv. Syed Rafat Jahan (Advocate for Marginalized Communities).
The panelists explored a variety of topics ranging from gender biases in family law to the societal pressures faced by men, advocating for more inclusive and balanced approaches to justice. Adv. Kanchan Singh emphasized the need to recognize men’s issues such as mental health challenges and legal biases. “While advocating for gender equality, it is crucial to recognize that all lives matter, regardless of gender. Addressing men’s issues in India is essential for fostering a more inclusive society where the rights of every individual are equally valued,” she stated.
Adv. Vinayak Bhatia, known for his expertise in criminal law and property disputes, spoke on the importance of creating a just legal framework. “Justice must be blind to gender, for the dignity of every individual demands laws that protect all victims of violence equally, regardless of their identity,” he said, stressing the need for laws to treat men and women equally, particularly in cases of domestic violence and sexual harassment.
Adv. Syed Rafat Jahan, a passionate advocate for marginalized communities, highlighted the importance of gender-neutral laws. “The call for gender neutrality in-laws is not an attempt to undermine the rights of any gender. Rather, it aims to ensure that justice remains impartial and treats all victims and perpetrators with fairness and equity under the law,” she remarked. She also stressed the importance of orientation sensitivity programs for law enforcement officials to ensure victims feel comfortable reporting incidents and moving away from outdated legal mindsets.
Shreya Sharma, Founder and Director of Rest The Case, emphasized the importance of addressing men’s issues, stating, “Men’s issues often remain unaddressed, and there is an urgent need to ensure that gender biases are eliminated from the legal system. We need to create an environment where both men and women can access justice equally. A balanced, inclusive approach to gender justice is necessary for building a fair and just society,” she said.
The panel discussion emphasized that to foster a truly inclusive legal environment in India, it is crucial to address the challenges men face, both legally and societally. From mental health struggles to the stigma surrounding men’s rights, the legal system must evolve to reflect fairness, inclusivity, and equality for all.
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