HC writ seeks directive for separate law to prevent violence against men

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking a directive to formulate a new law titled 'Prevention and Suppression of Violence Against Men Act' to protect men from violence and legal harassment.

The writ was listed for hearing on Tuesday before the High Court bench comprising Justice Rajik-Al-Jalil and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury.

Supreme Court lawyer Kazi Eliasur Rahman, founder chairman of Butterfly Human Rights Foundation, and the organisation's founding member Md Khalilur Rahman filed the writ in May.

Lawyer Kazi Eliasur Rahman said that while there are specific laws in the country to prevent violence against women and children, there is no separate law for men who are victims of violence. Although the Constitution guarantees equal rights, the absence of such a law has deprived many men of necessary justice and redress.

The writ petition has sought a rule asking why the government's inaction and failure to formulate a separate law to protect men from unnecessary harassment caused by the misuse of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and the Dowry Prohibition Act should not be declared illegal.

Additionally, the writ has sought a rule asking why the government should not be directed to formulate the 'Prevention and Suppression of Violence Against Men Act'.

The writ has also prayed for directives to the concerned authorities to take necessary measures to protect men from unnecessary harassment and formulate a new law until the final disposal of the rule.

The Cabinet Secretary, the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, the Home Secretary, the Law Secretary and the Chairman of the Law Commission have been made respondents in the writ.