Fri Jan 03 13:39:08 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Sees Surge in False Dowry Harassment Cases, Leaving Men Financially and Emotionally Ruined

**Hyderabad, January 3, 2025** – A significant rise in dowry harassment cases in Telangana is leaving many men financially and emotionally devastated, according to recent reports. While the state witnessed an increase in reported cases from 8,337 in 2019 to 9,458 in 2023, a large percentage are allegedly false or motivated by other factors.

An advocate at Hyderabad’s family court, Anjali Agarwal, estimates that only 30% of dowry harassment cases are genuine. The remaining 70% are attributed to spousal harassment (30%) or provocation by family members (40%). Despite the high number of cases, a significant majority (80%) end in compromise settlements, often with the husband obligated to pay alimony.

This trend is highlighted by the experiences of men like K. Rahul (name changed) and Shlok Awasthi (name changed). Rahul, divorced in 2020, has seen his daughter only twice since her birth, incurring significant legal fees and emotional distress battling multiple false cases filed by his ex-wife and her family. Awasthi, married for 18 years, faces similar allegations after his wife left for her parents’ home, demanding a substantial alimony and maintenance.

The Ekam Nyaay Foundation, an NGO, reports receiving 500 complaints from survivors of domestic disputes, 10% of whom are from Telangana. Survivors criticize the police’s handling of such cases, alleging a lack of preliminary investigation or counseling before registering complaints. The lengthy court processes, often exceeding several years, further exacerbate the situation.

National data reveals a concerning trend: while dowry deaths have decreased slightly, the number of married men ending their lives due to marital issues has increased significantly, rising by 14.8% between 2018 and 2022, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This alarming statistic underscores the devastating consequences of false accusations and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in handling domestic disputes. The article concludes by highlighting the need for thorough background checks and mediation before filing cases to prevent further distress among victims.

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