Criminalizing Family Dispute: Driving India to a Society of its Own Kind

Kumar Sheodhvj Ratan

Abstract: A happy family is foundation of a good society and strong Nation. Any force to change in society may have bigger impact on individual?s life as well as family life, so it is important to consider impact over the society in future. As modernization is taking place, Indian societies experiencing the changes. Due to the change, few of the ideologies has been seen as conservative many ignored and few are still remaining. As change taking place, it becomes necessity to stop the conservative thoughts, and most of the time, law came in force to establish norms and to create a force to adopt the change. Here at this point, it is more important to keep a wide open eye, because in such circumstances, most of the time people act biasedly and become possessive for change. Keep in mind, that whatever the changes start today, it will get matured over the time. Most of the time law maker made harsh laws considering their present scenarios, or on their thoughts or due to political reasons or on-need, but they fail to make further revision in such laws due to sentiments and other political factors. This is the time when influencer of the society has to come out from their possessiveness. India is experiencing the similar situation that, to empower women there are many harsh law made to ensure protection of women ignoring the human rights violation with Men. Even the family dispute made criminalize to set aside the conservative ideologies, but now the laws have started impacting, resulting it to more broken families, unhappy people, abundant children, and finally impacting the rich cultural of society which is now driving to a society of its own kind. This paper explores the implications of criminalizing family disputes in India by drawing on legal frameworks, judicial pronouncements, and National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. It highlights how women-centric legal frameworks, though well-intentioned, have created societal imbalances, adversely affecting men, children, and senior citizens. The paper also compares global perspectives, noting how other democracies have resisted overly punitive approaches. Finally, it offers recommendations for decriminalization, mediation, and balanced reforms to protect the family institution as a cornerstone of Indian society.

Keywords: Family Dispute, False 498a case, Criminalization of Family Dispute, Dowry Laws, Gender Neutrality, Society Vulnerability, Impact on Society, Destroy Rich Indian Culture

How to Cite?: Kumar Sheodhvj Ratan, "Criminalizing Family Dispute: Driving India to a Society of its Own Kind", Volume 14 Issue 10, October 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 69-76, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251001220514, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251001220514