In this episode, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna are joined by journalist Geeta Seshu, independent activist-writer Madhu Bhushan, and public health expert Dr Swathi SB.
Dhanya highlights the troubling narratives emerging from Atul Subhash’s case. “Deliberately a confusion is being created that men are dying by suicide because of marriage related issues, fake dowry harassment cases or the 498 A law.” Geeta says, “The misuse of laws exists, but dismantling them is not the answer. These laws were designed to protect against misogyny, and systemic misuse should be the focus.”
On the misuse of laws like 498A and the challenges women face when seeking justice, Madhu says, “Society is still not willing to accept that violence against women continues despite the existence of all these laws.” She adds, “If Atul had reached out to an organization, I’m glad that he reached out to an organization. The question is, how does that organization then support him?”
The conversation delves into the media’s sensationalistic portrayal of the case, with Dhanya pointing out how channels circulated Atul’s video without context, violating ethical guidelines. “This kind of coverage is irresponsible and could lead to more harm, including copycat suicides,” says Pooja.
This and more. Dive into South Central for an engaging and insightful discussion—you won’t want to miss it!
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Audio Timecodes
00:00:00:00 - Introductions
00:01:24:00 - Announcements
00:02:20:00 - Headlines
00:06:34:00 - Atul Subhash Case
0:53:07:00 - Karnataka Maternal Deaths
01:07:41:02 - Recommendations
References
What the uproar over Atul Subhash’s death by suicide says about gender relations in India
S498A IPC : How Supreme Court Raised Concerns About Misuse Of Anti-Dowry & Cruelty Laws Over Years
Atul Subhash’s suicide must not be a no-nuance men versus women debate
Is India ready for gender-neutral laws?
Justice Verma Committee Report
Gender Just, Gender Sensitive and NOT Gender Neutral Rape Laws
India’s drug regulation needs an overhaul
The horror story of drug regulation in India
Recommendations
Madhu Bhushan
Pooja Prasanna
Emergency and Neo-Emergency: Who Will Defend Democracy?
Swathi SB
Geeta Seshu
This Too Is India: Conversations on Diversity and Dissent
Dhanya Rajendran
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Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali.
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