Another instance of moral policing has come to the surface but this is too bizarre. The couple in question were beaten up only for standing too close in a metro in Kolkata. The young couple had got in at 10 pm and a witness said there was no PDA (Public Display of Affection). It's when a senior citizen bumped into them that an argument erupted and then the couple were attacked, pushed out of the train and beaten up by other passengers. Kolkata Metro Railway said they will enquire into the incident but made it very clear that they are against moral policing.
We talk to young people, celebrities, police officers and activists on the continued instances of moral policing despite all the rage against it by the younger generation, and how it can be controlled.
‘Society needs to be mature’
Swati Lakra Additional Commissioner of Police (SIT and Crime), Hyderabad
While there is no set code of conduct that needs to be followed, all of us need to be conscious about the way we behave in public spaces. That does not mean one can moral police people but we need to consider the culture and society we live in. On the other hand, we have to be mature as a society and not take law into our own hands. We need to understand that what we do in private cannot be done in public spaces, but it is a very delicate subject as nobody can really draw a certain line between what actions will be perceived as private. For each person, it may be different. But with the new generation, our society too must be mature and change along with it. As an individual, each one must decide where to draw the line, but if a person's line is farther than your own, you must be tolerant.
‘Laws need amendment’
Neha Saxena, TV Actor
As long as a person consciously intends on being morally policed, it is fine, but when vigilante groups consisting of hypocrites themselves turn to free society from the shackles of immoral behavior, that’s where the problem begins. There is no proper definition for an obscene act and it is open to interpretation. In the absence of proper understanding, the word is frequently used by the police to justify acts of moral policing. Our laws are too old and need to be changed as we are living in 21st century. On one side, India will have more population than China in a few years and on the other hand, we restrict love birds. Indian laws need to be changed and defined well without giving anyone an opportunity to misinterpret law.
‘Individual freedom is a must’
Sandeep Aiykam, Social activist
“We have the right to individual freedom and personal choice and no one can come in between that. The assault can be painted in many ways and political workers can get away with anything and because of this, law and order is breaking down. The assaulter did thisprobably because of the social pressure that is building, which in no way justifies that. The laws in our country are so backward and regressive that they should either be changed or removed. Also, there is a fine line between law and morality and there are many loopholes in the laws itself. We don’t have the right to impose these things and this is going overboard. The assaulter should be put behind bars”
‘Couples should be protected’
Shiv Visvanathan, Academician and Author
There are two types of policing – physical and moral. Between the two, you create a system of coercion where any change in body language is viewed with suspicion. If two people hold hands or appear affectionate, they are ‘susceptible’ to punishment. This kind of censoring of behaviour in public is uncalled for. Couples are harassed when society assumes the role of policemen. This has to stop. As long as the couple is not violating any law or norms of decency, they should be left alone. No one can dictate another person’s freedom in public space or their relationship choices.
‘Don’t be judgmental’
Vasanthi Babu, Counselor
The PDA scale is different for people from different age groups and family backgrounds. Most elders nurse hatred towards youngsters and their behaviour because what they suppressed in their younger stage amid restrictions is totally open to new generation. The elders have to realise that time has changed and the younger generation should understand their responsibilities. Instead of being judgmental, it’s better to give a moment’s thought before reacting.
‘Individual correction is the solution’
Hima Shankar, Theatre Artiste
Our body has energies and sexual energy is the basic and primitive one, which is expressed through forms such as love. It becomes difficult when one is denied from expressing it. In this case, why that senior citizen wasn’t able to take it positively? Moral policing also happens when offenders forget the fact that all are human beings, not cultural elements. Even the culture they uphold, once accepted diversity in sexuality. As a theatre person, I believe individual correction is the way to tackle it. Our educational system and psychological institutions should change their modes accordingly.
