Women-centric laws in India and many other jurisdictions are aimed at safeguarding women from gender-based violence, discrimination, and systemic inequities. Statutes such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, and laws concerning sexual harassment have played pivotal roles in advancing women's rights. However, over the years, scholarly discourse and judicial pronouncements have acknowledged instances where these legal provisions have been misused, resulting in unintended hardships for men, including reputational damage, wrongful incarceration, and protracted litigation. This paper critically examines the role of the judiciary in identifying, curbing, and remedying such misuse, without diluting the protective intent of these laws. Drawing on landmark case law, legislative debates, and comparative perspectives, the study analyzes judicial tools such as stringent evidentiary standards, guidelines for arrest, directions for preliminary inquiries, and mandates for mediation in certain disputes. The paper also explores how constitutional principles of equality before law and due process inform judicial responses, ensuring that women-centric statutes serve their intended protective function while safeguarding against exploitation for ulterior motives. In doing so, it highlights the judiciary’s balancing act—protecting genuine victims, deterring frivolous claims, and reinforcing public confidence in gender justice frameworks..
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