The draft bill argues that men face mental, physical and legal challenges in today’s world, and seeks an institutional framework for their protection and welfare.
Published Sep 20, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 20, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Congress MLA Eldose P Kunnapillil
Synopsis: Kerala MLA Eldose P Kunnapillil, still facing rape and attempted murder charges, has tabled a private member’s bill calling for a State Men’s Commission, citing the need for such a body in these “challenging modern times.” The commission, he insists, would defend “fathers, brothers and sons,” provide legal aid to the wronged, and wield civil court powers to boot. Like most private members’ bills, however, his proposal is expected to gather dust in the Assembly library.
Just when you thought Kerala’s list of commissions could not get any longer, a legislator has come up with a demand for a new one: a Men’s Commission.
Congress MLA Eldose P Kunnapillil, who represents Perumbavoor, believes men too need an official grievance redressal body in these “challenging modern times.”
Eldose demanded the formation of a Kerala State Men’s Commission through a private member’s bill, which the Assembly may take up in the ongoing session or afterwards.
His draft bill insists it does not downplay women’s struggles but seeks to ensure men are not “ignored.” However, what Eldose has not been forthcoming about is that he is still fighting a sexual assault case filed against him in 2022.
If the commission ever comes into being, one wonders whether the MLA could potentially make himself its first complainant – or its inaugural case study.
The draft bill argues that men face mental, physical and legal challenges in today’s world, and seeks an institutional framework for their protection and welfare.
It acknowledges that women continue to suffer disproportionately from gender-based injustices, but says men’s struggles should not be brushed aside.
While recognising the century-long feminist movements that secured women’s rights, the bill insists an egalitarian society can only thrive when men and women are treated as complementary pillars.
Eldose notes that almost everyone knows at least one woman who has endured abuse – and at least one man who has been wronged by false allegations. A dedicated commission, he argues, could heal such wounds and offer justice.
“For our fathers, brothers, sons, and friends,” the bill states, emphasising that the proposed commission would ensure men are not left unprotected in modern society, while safeguarding the constitutional priority given to women’s empowerment.
The MLA envisions the Men’s Commission as a statutory body to protect men’s rights, provide legal aid and advise the government on issues concerning men. According to him, it would function as a protector of men in the state and offer legal support to those falsely accused in criminal or civil cases.
Eldose envisions the Commission as a body headed by a retired High Court judge, with up to ten members representing society’s diversity. This would include a woman, a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe representative, and a professional with expertise in law, sociology or mental health.
Apart from investigating complaints and submitting them to the government for action, the Commission would conduct research and make recommendations on men’s education, employment and health.
It would also be vested with the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. This includes the authority to summon and examine persons on oath, call for documents and public records, receive evidence, and appoint commissions for the examination of witnesses and inspection of documents.
“It will inquire into complaints relating to the denial of rights of men and recommend suitable action to the government. It will also advise the government on other matters referred to it from time to time,” Eldose said.
He described the proposal as a step towards ensuring “balance and fairness in gender justice.”
The non-recurring cost of setting up the office and initial infrastructure would be around ₹75 lakh, he estimated, while recurring annual expenditure would be about ₹1 crore.
Though appointments would be made by the government, Eldose said the Commission would remain rooted in accountability, with its headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram and offices in every district to ensure accessibility.
He has proposed a fixed three-year tenure, transparent succession, and a dedicated staff to ensure the body combines judicial rigour with social sensitivity.
The case against Eldose first surfaced in 2022, when a schoolteacher accused the Perumbavoor MLA of assault and intimidation during a trip to Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram. In 2024, the District Crime Branch filed a chargesheet bringing grave allegations.
He was initially booked under IPC Sections 354, 362 and 506(1), following her complaint that he assaulted her and pressured her to withdraw the case. But the investigation, the Crime Branch said, later revealed more serious charges.
The teacher, a long-time acquaintance of the MLA, alleged that Eldose raped her on three occasions between July and September 2022 – first at a resort in Adimalathura and later at his residences in Thrikkakara and Kunnathunadu.
When she resisted and threatened to expose him, he allegedly tried to push her off the suicide point at Kovalam, leading to the addition of an attempt-to-murder charge.
The chargesheet, filed before the Neyyattinkara Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, also names two of Eldose’s aides as co-accused.
Like most private member’s bills, however, his proposal for a Men’s Commission is expected to gather dust in the Assembly library.
But if irony had a commission of its own, Eldose’s draft might well have been its first suo motu case.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
