Men Account for Majority of Suicides in India

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma recently cited National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2022 in Parliament while discussing domestic violence laws. He highlighted concerns about gender equality in these laws and pointed out a startling statistic—men constitute the majority of suicide victims in India.

According to NCRB data, out of the total suicides recorded in 2022, nearly 1.25 lakh were men, while only 42,000 were women. The percentage of male suicides was significantly higher, and family-related issues were cited as a major cause. Sharma noted that over the past few years, the number of men dying by suicide due to domestic disputes has doubled.

He argued that domestic violence laws should not be one-sided and called for recognition of male victims of domestic harassment. However, while his demand for a review of loopholes in existing laws is understandable, domestic violence crimes against women remain a serious concern.

Cases of physical abuse, harassment, and even domestic murders continue to be reported, whether in marriages or live-in relationships. Though it is incorrect to assume that only women are victims of domestic violence, legal disputes related to false cases have also disrupted many families.

Sharma's concerns about rising male suicides due to domestic disputes deserve attention, but financial stress, unemployment, love failures, and job pressures are also major factors contributing to higher suicide rates among men. On the other hand, women tend to have a stronger support system, lower financial burdens, and a higher ability to compromise, which could explain the lower suicide rates among them.

While discussing suicides linked to domestic violence, it is also crucial to address domestic violence-related murders. A comparative analysis of crime records on murders committed by men and women would have strengthened the debate on legal reforms in Parliament.