The tragic death of Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash in December 2024 has raised the issue of corruption, accountability and justice in India’s family courts. In his final video and suicide note, Atul alleged that Jaunpur Family Court Judge Rita Kaushik and court staff took bribes for favorable verdicts. Despite the gravity of his accusations, no inquiry was ordered, and the judge was promoted.
Atul Subhash left behind an 81-minute video and a 24-page suicide note before dying on December 9, 2024. In these papers, he alleged that Judge Rita Kaushik wanted ₹5 lakh for a favorable verdict in his divorce case. A court clerk also asked for ₹3 lakh just to schedule hearing dates. When he refused to pay, he said the court ordered him to pay ₹80,000 per month in alimony.
Atul’s death shocked many, but authorities did not respond well. Although his wife and in-laws were arrested for abetment to suicide, no FIR was filed against Judge Kaushik. There was no investigation into the allegations as he left behind detailed evidence. Rita Kaushik was promoted to District Judge on June 6, 2025. Atul’s case has been postponed until November 2026, and his family and supporters are frustrated.
The struggles faced by men in family courts, where accusations of bias and corruption are often raised but rarely investigated, is a great lesson for many. For many, the story of Atul’s death is indicative of a system that seems unaccountable and unresponsive to serious charges. The fact that those charged with his death are out on bail while the judge he named has advanced in her career has only stoked frustration and anger.
On social media and in public discussion, Atul’s case has been cited as an example of how ordinary citizens feel powerless against systemic corruption. His suicide note and video should have raised at least a suspicion, said supporters. Instead, the silence from authorities has only deepened the sense of injustice.
We know that Atul Subhash was killed and Judge Rita Kaushik was promoted despite the allegations of crimes against his life and the way that the judiciary does justice, so this is not just a sad tale in the story of a single man’s death but to me it’s always been about corruption and the fight for justice.
