The alleged murder of 26-year-old Ketan Agarwal in Pune has brought back the debate over setting up a National Commission for Men. Rajya Sabha MP and Lovely Professional University founder Ashok Kumar Mittal has once again urged the Centre to consider such a body, citing the case as an example of why men also need institutional support.
Sharing a video of his Rajya Sabha speech from December 2025 on X, Mittal reiterated his demand for the commission after the recent developments in the Ketan Agarwal case.
Ashok Kumar Mittal cites Ketan Agarwal case
Referring to the Pune case, Mittal wrote on X, “The Ketan case is a reminder that men, too, can be victims. They deserve institutional support, legal protection, and a platform where their voices are heard. Justice must be equal for everyone, irrespective of gender.”
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Mittal had introduced the National Commission for Men Bill, 2025 as a Private Member’s Bill in the Rajya Sabha on December 5, 2025. According to the Rajya Sabha website, the Bill was introduced and remains at that stage.
Pune Ketan Agarwal case is deeply disturbing. Ketan and his family deserve a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation, and above all, justice.
— Ashok Kumar Mittal (@DrAshokKMittal) July 3, 2026
I introduced the National Commission for Men Bill in Parliament. Every victim deserves justice, support, and equal protection under… pic.twitter.com/M6ENpG1T7F
Private Member’s Bills rarely become law in India. Since Independence, only 14 such Bills have been enacted, and none has cleared both Houses of Parliament since 1970.
What does the National Commission for Men Bill propose?
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a statutory National Commission for Men to safeguard the rights and welfare of men and address complaints related to the alleged violation or deprivation of their rights.
The Bill says the commission would review existing laws and government policies affecting men while promoting preventive outreach on issues linked to their physical, mental and social well-being.
Proposed structure and powers
Under the Bill, the commission would be headed by a chairperson and a vice-chairperson with at least 15 years of experience in fields such as law, public administration, gender studies, sociology, psychology or social work.
It also proposes that the commission include at least one member from the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes and at least one member below the age of 40 years.
During inquiries, the commission would have powers similar to those of a civil court.
Focus on research, counselling and legal aid
The proposed commission would investigate cases involving the alleged violation of men’s constitutional rights. It would also conduct or sponsor research and collect data on issues including male suicide rates, health disparities, unemployment, custodial rights and domestic abuse.
The Bill further proposes legal assistance, counselling and rehabilitation services for men in distress.
It also recommends awareness programmes in consultation with institutions such as CBSE, NCERT and UGC to promote gender sensitivity, healthy masculinity, emotional intelligence, mental well-being and non-violence among students.
Protection for women’s rights remains unchanged
The Bill makes it clear that its provisions would not affect or reduce the legal rights and protections already available to women under existing laws.
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It also states that the proposed commission cannot intervene in complaints filed by women unless a competent court has declared the complaint to be false, malicious or an abuse of the legal process.
Latest update in the Ketan Agarwal case
Meanwhile, in the Ketan Agarwal murder case, a Pune court on July 3 sent the two accused, his fiancée Siya Goyal (20) and her alleged boyfriend Chetan Chaudhary (22), to 14 days of judicial custody until July 16.
The court also rejected the Lonavala Rural Police’s request for extended police custody. It further declined the plea for a polygraph test after both accused formally refused to undergo the lie-detector examination.
FAQs:
What is the National Commission for Men Bill, 2025?
It is a Private Member’s Bill that proposes a statutory body to address men’s rights, welfare and grievances.
Why is the National Commission for Men Bill back in the news?
Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal renewed his demand for the Bill after the Ketan Agarwal case reignited the debate on men’s rights.
