ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how the myths and misogyny operate within and outside the courtrooms. While analyzing the verdicts pronounced by the courts, the advisories issued by the ministries, the reports by the Law Commission, and other documents, it elucidates that consistent efforts have been made over the years to dilute the legal provisions. Due to the backlash, the crime is accorded low priority. The courts are rather penalizing the complainants, and, in the process, ignore the important dimensions or the finer nuances such as coercive control, economic abuse, the impact of violence on children, and cost of abuse to the society and economy. It argues that the law remains underused and that the law formulated to protect abused women is currently being utilized to protect the privileges and entitlements of those who hold power within the families, communities, and society.
