In the shadows of India’s legal corridors lies a disturbing truth—a well-oiled machinery of exploitation that thrives on the misery of families entangled in matrimonial disputes. While lawyers are meant to uphold justice and protect their clients, a subset of matrimonial lawyers has turned the legal system into a money-making racket, preying on emotions, exploiting loopholes, and intensifying conflicts rather than resolving them.
This isn’t just speculation—it’s an open secret among legal professionals, whispered in hushed tones but rarely admitted openly. It’s time to bring these unethical practices to light, so that victims of this system can demand reform and accountability.
The Playbook of Exploitation
- Encouraging False Cases
Far from seeking fair resolutions, some lawyers actively encourage women to file false cases against their husbands and in-laws. Under the guise of legal protection, they weaponize laws like Section 498A (anti-dowry law) and the Dowry Prohibition Act, often exaggerating or fabricating allegations to build a stronger case. The emotional and financial devastation of the husband’s family becomes collateral damage in their pursuit of profits. - Selling “Legal Packages” for Harassment
Shockingly, some matrimonial lawyers offer “package deals” that include a suite of legal cases to suffocate the husband:- A 498A case for harassment and cruelty.
- A case under the Dowry Prohibition Act.
- Maintenance claims under Section 125 CrPC.
- FIRs for cheating, unnatural sex, or other criminal charges.
- A divorce petition coupled with alimony demands.
This systematic approach is designed not to seek justice but to overwhelm the husband with legal troubles, leaving him emotionally and financially crippled.
- Guaranteeing Alimony for a Cut
In an industry where outcomes can be unpredictable, these lawyers promise guaranteed alimony to their clients, charging a hefty percentage—often 20-30% of the final settlement—as their cut. This transforms what should be a quest for fair compensation into a mercenary enterprise where the lawyer profits more from prolonged conflict than resolution. - Collusion With Opposing Lawyers
Perhaps the most insidious tactic is collusion between lawyers on both sides. Some matrimonial lawyers secretly liaise with the opposing party’s counsel to deliberately weaken their own client’s case. In return, they take a share of the settlement, effectively profiting from both parties. This betrayal not only robs clients of justice but also deepens their financial losses. - Prolonging Cases for Profit
Delays in the judicial system are often blamed on inefficiency, but in matrimonial cases, they are frequently orchestrated by lawyers who profit from prolonged litigation. By creating unnecessary complications, filing multiple motions, and requesting adjournments, they ensure their fees keep piling up while the clients remain trapped in a never-ending nightmare.
These unethical practices leave behind a trail of broken lives. Husbands face relentless harassment, families are drained of their savings, and children become collateral damage in battles that are often more about revenge than justice. Meanwhile, genuine victims—whether husbands or wives—find it harder to access the protection they need, as false cases erode trust in the system.
The time has come to confront these practices head-on. Here’s what needs to change:
- Stronger Oversight of Lawyers: Bar councils and legal authorities must investigate and penalize lawyers engaging in unethical practices.
- Punishment for False Cases: Filing false cases should carry strict penalties, deterring those who exploit the law for personal gain.
- Speedy Resolutions: Matrimonial cases must be resolved within a strict timeframe to prevent exploitation through delays.
- Gender-Neutral Laws: Laws must be reformed to protect all parties equally, ensuring justice for genuine victims, regardless of gender.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens about their rights and the potential misuse of the legal system to empower them to make informed decisions.
This issue is not just about legal ethics—it’s about the kind of society we want to build. A society where justice is for sale, and legal professionals profit from suffering, is not one we can accept. It’s time to demand transparency, fairness, and accountability from our legal system.