Kerala is the most literate state in India (93.91% as of 2011 census) but when several instances of ‘moral policing’ were reported, Kiss of Love was born. What started as a protest calling upon youth on Facebook, soon spread all over India and the youth across many cities came forward to protest against moral policing.
Section 294(a) of Indian Penal Code states that “Whoever, to the annoyance of others, does any obscene act in any public place shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both.”
The real challenge is when IPC does not define obscenity. While kissing may be obscene for one, hugging may be obscene for the other. What about holding hands and walking? That could be obscene as well. Is it dependent on the community, city or people to specify their definition?
Adults should have the choice to make their own decisions and others should not take offense in that. Since when a female riding pillion with a man, become a crime? When police and political organizations resort to forceful measures on their own accord without any logic, the act of violence is as good as a crime.
The protest met a lot of road blocks in most of the cities including Bangalore. The Facebook page with over 75,000 participants was blocked so that access could be restricted. Religious and political organizations called the protest unwarranted but if you really look into the ask, don’t you think it was just fair?
Whether I kiss or hug on the road, isn’t it my choice?
I am blogging from A to Z during April and the theme I have chosen is set on women. I am also a minion on co-host Pam’s Unconventional Alliance along with Claire, Shalini and Rajlakshmi. Visit us, show us some love and don’t leave without sharing your thoughts.
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I remember this one. The elders in my family were aghast about it. But, the over the top moral policing was getting out of hand. I reasoned, tomorrow if my son is attacked by this moral police for doing something natural like holding hands or hugging or even giving a peck, will I support them? I fully supported this event and had argued with all.
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Hmm, I remember this one! I wonder why no one has any objections to watching films with more intimate scenes or even serials….then why the double standard? Moral policing is finally done by folks with corrupt and idle minds or more likely with a political motive.
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave
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People are governed by whims and fancy. They cannot rationalize right or wrong. I support kiss of love and disagree strongly with people who just want to spread illogical ideologies.
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Quite a thought provoking post.
frankly, i agree to most of the points, but couple many times cross the level of obscenities. If things are limited to kiss or a peck it seems kind of ok. But a kiss, going to a smooch to more is not a sight I would personally enjoy.
if couples want to get cozy, get a room – as simple as that
Its just my opinion, it might differ from people to people
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This movement has caused quite a stir!
It really should be our own opinion now, shouldn’t it? For me, if I find something really offensive, I’d rather close my eyes and look the other way, instead of making a hue and cry about it.
Surely something to think about 🙂
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Not in India, no. It’s not our choice.
Sighhhh!
– Chicky @ http://www.mysteriouskaddu.com
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🙂 Interesting campaigns the world over. Nice post Parul 🙂
http://www.sunilavigauthor.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/karna-for-k-for-a-to-z-challenge.html
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Oh yeah, I remember this one.
See, PDA is a personal choice. But as long as it is in control I’m fine with it. Once I saw a couple smooching, necking in the middle of MG road! I was like WTF. Feels weird.
Holding hands, hugging, a peck on the cheek should be acceptable.
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One thing Kerala has proved time and again is literacy doesn’t open up one’s eyes and mind.
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I believe everything in moderation is acceptable. PDA is and should be a personal choice but should be done in control.
Like someone mentioned earlier in the thread, literacy in Kerela has brought about much change in the perspectives on the people there.
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Completely agree with you. To kiss or hug or hold hands should purely be one’s choice. I feel why do they have to make an issue of every aspect which is opposed by them and supported by youth? The country is all ready to change but its leaders are not willing to accept the change!
Great take on it Parul 🙂
Cheers
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Kissing in public should not be a problem but making sounds so as to get attention, then this is annoying for the rest of the people. When our freedom crosses someone else’s freedom, then it is when we have crossed the line. Amazing post, thank you!
Zaria
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I remember reading that some group members said they’re not against love but kissing in public, which is like “walking around naked”. Can you believe that?!
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Such laws are so ridiculous, I swear. This blow out morality crap gets too crass. Kiss, Make Love and not War. I support the Kiss of Love campaign:)
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Do we say we stay in a democratic country N have no free will of choice.
Richa
http://richajindal.com/healthy-foods/
http://jindalpackers.com/blog/late-delivery/
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Nice Post!
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