Moral police

{{short description|Category of vigilante groups which act to enforce a code of morality in India}} {{For|other uses of the term|Moral policing (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}

{{Overly detailed|details=routine coverage of news|date=April 2026}}

'''Moral police''' is an umbrella category of vigilante groups which act to enforce a code of morality in India.<ref name=MoralRunsRiot>{{cite news|title=Moral police runs riot in capital|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100215/jsp/jharkhand/story_12106579.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144207/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100215/jsp/jharkhand/story_12106579.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=The Telegraph (India)|date=15 February 2010}}</ref><ref name=ControlVigilante>{{cite news|title=Who will control the vigilantes? Moral policing|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/who-will-control-the-vigilantes-moral-policing/article1334563.ece|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=The Hindu|date=9 September 2008}}</ref> Some of India's laws, and some actions of police forces in India are also considered to be instances of moral policing.<ref name=CopMajnu/> The target of moral policing is any activity that vigilante groups, the government or police deem to be "immoral" and/or "against Indian culture".<ref name="theage2006">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/indias-moral-police-declare-war-on-decadence/2006/11/10/1162661900519.html |title=India's moral police declare war on decadence |newspaper=The Age |date=11 November 2006 |accessdate=11 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="cops moral">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/Do-we-need-cops-as-moral-police/articleshow/1621097.cms |title=Do we need cops as moral police? |work= The Times of India |date=5 June 2006 |accessdate=11 November 2013}}</ref>

==Overview==

India has several vigilante groups that claim to protect the Indian culture. They resist and oppose cultural concepts that they deem to have been imported from the Western culture.<ref name=Immoral/> They have been known to attack bars and pubs.<ref name=MangalorePub>{{cite news|title='Moral police' attack Mangalore pub|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2009/jan/26sri-ram-sena-attacks-mangalore-pub.htm|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=26 January 2009}}</ref> Some of these groups have attacked or have forced art exhibitions to shut down, where they claim obscene paintings were being displayed.<ref name=ArtAttack>{{cite news|title=Art attack: Moral police threaten nudes exhibition|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Art-attack-Moral-police-threaten-nudes-exhibition/articleshow/18342297.cms|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=5 February 2013}}</ref><ref name=VadodaraArt>{{cite news|title=Vadodara art student lands in jail|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vadodara-art-student-lands-in-jail/article1-221807.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216100939/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vadodara-art-student-lands-in-jail/article1-221807.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 December 2014|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=Hindustan Times|date=11 May 2007}}</ref> Right-wing groups have canvassed door-to-door and put up posters against western-style clothing.<ref name=WearTight>{{cite news|title=Don't let your daughter wear tight jeans, moral police tell parents in Maharashtra|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-don-t-let-your-daughter-wear-tight-jeans-moral-police-tell-parents-in-maharashtra-1430651|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=30 August 2010}}</ref> Some have also condemned beauty parlours.<ref name=Veiled>{{cite news|title='Veiled' moral policing in J&K|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/aug/30veil.htm|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=31 August 2005}}</ref> Some members of the media have also colluded with such groups.<ref name=MangalorePub/>{{Failed verification|date=November 2023}} Some politicians have supported such viewpoints and occasionally such activities.<ref name=Immoral>{{cite news|title=(Im)moral policing|url=http://zeenews.india.com/exclusive/immoral-policing_2223.html|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=Zee News|date=7 February 2009}}</ref>

==Laws== In India, the Sections 292 to 294 of the Indian Penal Code are used to deal with obscenity. Most of these laws date back to 1860.<ref name=AfraidKissing>{{cite news|title=Who's afraid of kissing?|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090218/jsp/opinion/story_10552589.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324084623/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090218/jsp/opinion/story_10552589.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 March 2009|accessdate=6 December 2014|work=The Telegraph (India)|date=18 February 2009}}</ref> The Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code deals with sales and distribution of obscene books and other material. It criminalises materials like books and paintings if it is deemed to be "lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest".<ref name=IPC>{{cite web|title=The Indian Penal Code, 1860|url=http://chddistrictcourts.gov.in/THE%20INDIAN%20PENAL%20CODE.pdf|publisher=Chandigarh District Courts|accessdate=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070114135350/http://chddistrictcourts.gov.in/THE%20INDIAN%20PENAL%20CODE.pdf|archive-date=14 January 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Section 292 was amended in 1969 to exclude material that are for public good (like condom ads),<ref name=AfraidKissing/> scientific material, art and religious figures.<ref name="FreedomOfPress">{{cite book|title=Freedom of the Press: Using the Law to Defend Journalists|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cBkNQZT0fLQC&pg=PA39|accessdate=7 December 2014|year=2009|publisher=Socio Legal Information Cent|isbn=978-81-89479-59-6|page=39}}</ref> Police also use Section 292 of the IPC to file cases against film posters and advertisement hoardings that are deemed to be "obscene".<ref name=posters>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Zeher-poster-makers-face-obscenity-plaint/articleshow/1067343.cms?referral=PM |title='Zeher' poster makers face obscenity plaint |work=The Times of India|date=1 April 2005 |accessdate=11 November 2013}}</ref>

The Section 293 deals with the sale of obscene material to people under 20.<ref name=IPC/> The Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code deals with "obscene acts and songs" and it states that:

{{Cquote|''Whoever, to the annoyance of others''

''(a) Does any obscene act in any public place, or''<br/> ''(b) Sings, recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place,''

''Shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both.''<ref name=KissingObscene/>}}

There is no proper definition of an obscene act and it is open to interpretation.<ref name=KissingObscene>{{cite news|title=Is kissing in public an obscene act?|url=http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/5DKL9wuITBg8LosTQFFX8O/Is-kissing-in-public-an-obscene-act.html|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=Live Mint|date=4 November 2014}}</ref> It is frequently used by the police to justify acts of moral policing.<ref name="Loopholes">{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-12-22/india/27851674_1_ipc-obscene-act-public-place |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131006110554/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-12-22/india/27851674_1_ipc-obscene-act-public-place |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 October 2013 |title=Loopholes in IPC drive moral police |work=The Times of India |date=22 December 2005 |accessdate=5 December 2014}}</ref>

Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (also known as Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act or PITA) was originally passed to prevent human trafficking.<ref name="Trafficking">{{cite book|title=Trafficking in Women and Children in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1xFnEyqFupUC&pg=PA194|accessdate=17 December 2014|date=1 January 2005|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=978-81-250-2845-1|page=194}}</ref> It allows police to raid hotels if they suspect a sex racket is being run there.<ref name=LawFoxPolice>{{cite news|title=Law and 'morals' fox police|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Law-and-morals-fox-police/articleshow/8902646.cms|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=5 May 2002}}</ref> Police have used this law to raid hotels and arrest consenting couples.<ref name=GhaziaHotel>{{cite news|title=Suspecting prostitution, police detain 56 young couples from Ghaziabad hotel|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/suspecting-prostitution-police-detain-56-young-couples-from-ghaziabad-hotel/article1-1106321.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122030008/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/suspecting-prostitution-police-detain-56-young-couples-from-ghaziabad-hotel/article1-1106321.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 November 2013|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=Hindustan Times|date=10 August 2013}}</ref>

India's obscenity laws have also been frequently compared to the Hicklin test.<ref name="FreedomOfPress"/><ref name="Kumar1997">{{cite book|last=Kumar|first=Girja|title=The Book on Trial: Fundamentalism and Censorship in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n-KUICFfA00C&pg=PA172|date=1 January 1997|publisher=Har-Anand Publications|isbn=978-81-241-0525-2|pages=172}}</ref><ref name="Rana1990">{{cite book|author=Inder S. Rana|title=Law of Obscenity in India, USA & UK|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UD8Yq_SrrBQC&pg=PA144|accessdate=7 December 2014|year=1990|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-169-4|page=144}}</ref> Despite demands to criminalize moral policing, there are no laws, due to which such incidents continue to happen.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-10382-criminalizing-of-moral-policing.html|title= Criminalizing of Moral Policing}}</ref>

Following increasing incidents of moral policing, with complaints against police officers involved in such acts, the Supreme Court of India passed a ruling in December 2022 stating that police officers cannot indulge in any kind of moral policing.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/even-policemen-not-required-to-do-moral-policing-says-sc/articleshow/96355991.cms|title= Even policemen not required to do moral policing, says SC}}</ref> Due to a backlash following a raid in August 2015 on a hotel in Mumbai where consenting couples were arrested for indecent behaviour in public, then commissioner Rakesh Maria ordered cops not to use the Section 110 of the Bombay Police Act, 1951 which is an offense of Public Indecency to harass citizens and moral police them.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://zeenews.india.com/news/maharashtra/end-to-moral-policing-in-mumbai-cops-wont-use-section-110-of-bombay-police-act-anymore_1826173.html|title= End to 'moral policing' in Mumbai: Cops won't use Section 110 of Bombay Police Act anymore}}</ref>

==Incidents of moral policing==

===By vigilante groups, various organizations and mobs=== Moral policing by vigilante groups, various organizations and mobs in India is a common occurrence. Motives for such incidents are protection of religious or cultural identity and imposition of personal views and moral codes on everyone involving, for example, religious views, objection to inter-faith or inter-caste relationships, views on women, views on gambling and alcoholism, and public display of affection between consenting adults. Often these views and sentiments are heavily politicized and is sometimes also reflected in laws and also gains support from officials ranging from police officers to judges. * In the early 1990s, an Islamic women's separatist organization called Dukhtaran-e-Millat in Jammu and Kashmir began forcing local women to cover their faces and threatening them with acid attacks.<ref name="BearTheBrunt">{{cite news|title=Kashmiri women bear the brunt again|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/09/14/stories/0214000k.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141207161648/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/09/14/stories/0214000k.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 December 2014|accessdate=6 December 2014|work=The Hindu|date=14 September 2001}}</ref><ref name="TheBurqa">{{cite news|title=The Burqa Manoeuvre|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/The-Burqa-Manoeuvre/213048|accessdate=6 December 2014|work=Outlook India|date=3 September 2001}}</ref><ref name="MillatMoral">{{cite news|title=Now Dukhtaran-e-Millat steps in as moral police|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/Now-DukhtaraneMillat-steps-in-as-moral-police/320066|accessdate=6 December 2014|work=Outlook India|date=30 August 2005}}</ref> During the period, they also attacked cinemas, video parlours, beauty parlours and wine shops.<ref name="BearTheBrunt" /> In 2005, they attacked hotel bars and restaurants, and destroyed liquor bottles.<ref name="MillatMoral" /> * In 1996, a Hindi magazine Vichar Mimansa published an article titled "M. F. Husain: A Painter or a Butcher?" which contained reprints of paintings M. F. Husain had created in 1975. They depicted various Hindu goddesses in nude or copulating poses. Eight different lawsuits were filed against him.<ref name="FamousPainterDies">{{cite news|title=Maqbool Fida Husain, India's Most Famous Painter, Dies at 95|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/10/arts/design/maqbool-fida-husain-indias-most-famous-painter-dies-at-95.html?ref=deathsobituaries&_r=0|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=The New York Times|date=9 June 2011}}</ref> In 2008, the Delhi High Court quashed three cases which had been transferred to it.<ref name="DelhiHCHusain">{{cite news|title=Delhi HC quashes obscenity case against MF Husain|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Delhi-HC-quashes-obscenity-case-against-MF-Husain/articleshow/3023286.cms|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=9 May 2008}}</ref> * The 1996 Miss World pageant was held in Bangalore. It faced criticism from protestors who claimed that event was demeaning women and India's culture. Several self-immolation threats were made. The police arrest 1,500 protestors, including several from the BJP. One man died in a self-immolation attempt.<ref name="MissKills">{{cite news|title=Critic of Miss World Contest Kills Himself|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/11/15/critic-of-miss-world-contest-kills-himself/|access-date=13 December 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|date=15 November 1996}}</ref><ref name="ContestofWills">{{cite news|title=Beauty pageant in India becomes a contest of wills|url=http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9611/17/miss.world/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102095741/http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9611/17/miss.world/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2013|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=CNN|date=17 November 1996}}</ref><ref name="IndianPoliceWorst">{{cite news|title=Indian police prepare for worst in beauty pageant clash|url=http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9611/22/india.miss.world/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161341/http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9611/22/india.miss.world/|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 July 2014|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=CNN|date=22 November 1996}}</ref><ref name="MissWorldCrowned">{{cite news|title=Miss World Crowned As Indians Protest|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/24/world/miss-world-crowned-as-indians-protest.html|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=The New York Times|date=24 November 1996}}</ref> Among other organizations which had protested the event were: Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Communist Party of India.<ref name="MissKills" /><ref name="ShowOfProtest">{{cite news|title=Show of protest: Miss World contest draws flak in Bangalore|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19961031-miss-world-contest-draws-flak-in-bangalore-834023-1996-10-30|access-date=13 December 2014|work=India Today|date=31 October 1996}}</ref> * In 1997, a lawyer named Sabu Thomas from Kerala filed an obscenity case against the author Arundhati Roy, claiming that the 21st chapter of The God of Small Things contains obscene scenes.<ref name="NovelistBang">{{cite news|title=A Novelist Beginning With a Bang|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/29/books/a-novelist-beginning-with-a-bang.html|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=The New York Times|date=29 June 1997}}</ref> The book was also criticized by politician E. M. S. Namboodiripad.<ref name="EMSNovel">{{cite news|title=EMS attacks literary content of Arundhati Roy's novel|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/nov/29roy.htm|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=29 November 1997}}</ref> * In May 2005, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers stormed a pub in Pune, Maharashtra, broke window panes, and damaged furniture. The move came days after Pune Police had forced five pubs to shut before the closing time of 12:30 am.<ref name="PuneNightLife">{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/70139/ |title=Moral police hit Pune nightlife |work=The Indian Express |date=11 May 2011 |accessdate=8 December 2014}}</ref> * In September 2005, Tamil actress Khushbu said during an interview with a magazine that it was fine for girls to indulge in pre-marital sex as long as they took precautions against diseases and pregnancies.<ref name="Khushboo1">{{cite news|title=Khushboo's comments stir controversy|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/sep/26khushboo.htm|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=26 September 2005}}</ref> Various political parties, notably Pattali Makkal Katchi and Dalit Panthers of India, took offence at the statement.<ref name="Khushboo2">{{cite news|title=Khushboo's sex comment takes political tones|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/oct/06khush.htm|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=6 October 2005}}</ref> They claimed that the comment "denigrates the chastity of Tamil Women" and over 20 lawsuits were filed against the actress in the state of Tamil Nadu. During a hearing in November, protestors hurled eggs, rotten tomatoes and slippers at her car.<ref name="EggsSlipper">{{cite news|title=Eggs and slippers greet Kushboo|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1051117/asp/nation/story_5486972.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060319031311/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1051117/asp/nation/story_5486972.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 March 2006|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=The Telegraph (India)|date=17 November 2005}}</ref> In April 2010, the Supreme Court of India dropped all 23 defamation cases against her.<ref name="QuashKhushboo">{{cite news|title=Supreme Court quashes criminal proceedings against Kushboo|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/supreme-court-quashes-criminal-proceedings-against-kushboo/article413559.ece|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=The Hindu|date=29 April 2010}}</ref> * In September 2005, a fatwa against tennis player Sania Mirza was issued by a cleric named Haseeb-ul-hasan Siddiqui of the Sunni Ulema Board. The fatwa said that her attire on the tennis court and billboard advertisements were un-Islamic.<ref name="FatwaTennis">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/sep/10/india.randeepramesh|title=Fatwa orders Indian tennis star to cover up|accessdate=4 December 2014|work=The Guardian (UK)|date=10 September 2005}}</ref> Mirza later decided to hire bodyguards.<ref name="MostWanted">{{cite news|title=India's most wanted|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/feb/05/features.india|accessdate=4 December 2014|work=The Guardian (UK)|date=5 February 2006}}</ref> * In September 2005, a court in Rajasthan fined an Israeli couple {{currency|1,000|INR}} for kissing during their wedding ceremony. The couple had decided to get married in a Hindu ceremony at Pushkar Lake. However, the priests were offended when the couple started kissing and hugging during the ceremony, and filed a lawsuit.<ref name="DeclareWar" /><ref name="WeddingFine">{{cite news|title=Israelis fined for wedding kiss|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4268058.stm|access-date=4 December 2014|work=BBC News|date=21 September 2005}}</ref> * On 14 February 2006, Shiv Sena activists attacked a private celebration of Valentines Day in Mumbai. Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray condemned the attack and apologised, making a statement that "It is said that women were beaten up in the Nallasopara incident. If that really happened, then it is a symbol of cowardice. I have always instructed Shiv Sainiks that in any situation women should not be humiliated and harassed."<ref>{{cite news |agency=PTI |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Thackeray-condemns-V-Day-attacks-by-Sainiks/articleshow/1419743.cms |title=Thackeray condemns V-Day attacks by Sainiks |newspaper=The Times of India |date=18 February 2006 |location=Mumbai |access-date=13 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811045804/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-02-18/india/27813894_1_sena-mouthpiece-saamna-sena-chief-bal-thackeray-shiv-sainiks |archive-date=11 August 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> * In December 2006, an obscenity case was filed against Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Biocon India Chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw for allegedly kissing at a public function.<ref name="RajeSunday">{{cite news|title=Case against Raje to be heard on Saturday|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Case-against-Raje-to-be-heard-on-Saturday/articleshow/677251.cms|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=1 December 2006}}</ref><ref name="CaseRajaShaw">{{cite news|title=Court to hear obscenity case against Raje, Mazumdar-Shaw|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/court-to-hear-obscenity-case-against-raje-mazumdar-shaw_339399.html|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=Zee News|date=2 December 2006}}</ref> The lawsuit came after newspapers published the pictures of a cheek-to-cheek air kiss from a peculiar angle.<ref name="BadCameraAngle">{{cite news|title=Much ado about air-kissing bad camera angle raises a storm|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2006-12-01/news/27425007_1_channels-picture-friendly-kiss|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831083920/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2006-12-01/news/27425007_1_channels-picture-friendly-kiss|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 August 2013|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=The Economic Times|date=1 December 2006}}</ref> * 2008 Imphal bombing: In October 2008, an explosion occurred at Ragailong, a tribal village near Imphal where people had gathered to play a traditional gambling game. Seventeen people were killed, and many more injured, in the blast. The Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council) claimed responsibility for the blast, stating they wanted to stop the game because it "affects Manipuri culture adversely".<ref name="KillingGame">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081024/jsp/opinion/story_10009987.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007042033/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081024/jsp/opinion/story_10009987.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 October 2013 |work=The Telegraph (India)| title=Killing game |date=24 October 2008 |accessdate=7 December 2014}}</ref> *2009 Mangalore pub attack: On 24 January 2009, members of the Sri Ram Sena barged into the pub "Amnesia – The Lounge" in Mangalore, Karnataka, and beat up a group of young women and men, claiming the women should not be drinking in a public place.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090622-150075.html|title=Indian students riled by jeans ban|last=Jayaram|first=P.|date=22 June 2009|work=The Straits Times|accessdate=2 December 2014|archive-date=25 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225100158/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090622-150075.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> * In December 2011, Vinay Rai, the editor of a Delhi-based Urdu daily called Akbari, filed an obscenity case against 21 websites including Facebook, Yahoo and Google, for allegedly distributing obscene material. The companies appealed the Delhi High Court to drop the case, but the Delhi HC on 13 January allowed the case to proceed.<ref name="VinayRai">{{cite news|title=The curious case of Vinay Rai|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-curious-case-of-vinay-rai/article2893650.ece|accessdate=17 December 2014|work=15 February 2012|date=15 February 2012}}</ref> *2012 Mangalore homestay attack: On 28 July 2012, activists belonging to the Hindu Jagarana Vedike attacked a birthday party at an unlicensed homestay in Mangalore, Karnataka. The 12 people at the party, including 5 girls, were allegedly beaten, stripped and molested. The faces of some girls were blackened. The activists claimed the youngsters were consuming alcohol and were involved in "some indecent activities".<ref name="MangaloreGirls">{{cite news|title=Mangalore: Girls thrashed for partying, 4 arrested|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mangalore-girls-thrashed-for-partying-4-arrested/275807-62-129.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141203082433/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mangalore-girls-thrashed-for-partying-4-arrested/275807-62-129.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2014|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=IBNLive|date=29 July 2012}}</ref> * In February 2013, three girls who were members of a rock band in Jammu and Kashmir began receiving threats and hate messages on the internet. Later, the Grand Mufti of Kashmir, Bashir-ud-din Farooqi, issued a fatwa against them, asking them to stop such immoral activities.<ref name="All-girlRockBand">{{cite news|title=After threats, fatwa issued against Kashmir's all-girl rock band|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/jammu-and-kashmir/after-threats-fatwa-issued-against-kashmirs-all-girl-rock-band_826901.html|accessdate=16 January 2015|work=Zee News|date=5 February 2013}}</ref> Ayaz Akbar, the spokesperson of All Parties Hurriyat Conference said that western culture had no place in the Kashmir valley,<ref name="All-girlRockBand" /> and Dukhtaran-e-Millat also supported the fatwa.<ref name="ShariaMillat">{{cite news|title=Girl band should be stopped, must abide by sharia: Dukhtaran-e-Millat leader|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/girl-band-should-be-stopped-must-abide-by-sharia-dukhtaranemillat-leader/370937-3-245.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208064204/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/girl-band-should-be-stopped-must-abide-by-sharia-dukhtaranemillat-leader/370937-3-245.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 February 2013|accessdate=16 January 2015|work=IBNLive|date=5 February 2013}}</ref> Later, the girls shut down the band.<ref name="bandcontroversy">{{cite news|title=Muslim Girls Quit Rock Band After National Controversy|url=http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/muslim-girls-quit-rock-band-after-national-controversy/?_r=0|accessdate=16 January 2015|work=The New York Times|date=5 February 2013}}</ref> * On 23 October 2014, a restaurant in Kozhikode was attacked and vandalised by members identified as part of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, a youth wing of Bharatiya Janata Party.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2014-10-29 |title=Kochi youths plan ‘kiss day’ after cafe vandalism |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/kochi-youths-plan-kiss-day-after-cafe-vandalism/ |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The attackers claimed that eatery was facilitating immoral activities.<ref name="KozhikodeVandalism">{{cite news|title='Moral police' attack restaurant in Kozhikode|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/moral-police-attack-restaurant-in-kozhikode/article6530107.ece|accessdate=10 August 2015|work=The Hindu|date=24 October 2014}}</ref> The attack came after JaiHind TV, a local Malayalam-language TV channel owned by Indian National Congress, broadcast a report claiming that some coffee shops and restaurants in Kozhikode had become centres of "immoral activities" in a series of events leading to Kiss of Love protest.<ref name="BJPworkersvandals">{{cite news|title=Congress channel alleges 'immorality' at Kerala cafe, BJP workers vandalise it|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/congress-channel-alleges-immorality-at-kerala-cafe-bjp-workers-vandalise-it/|accessdate=10 August 2015|work=The Indian Express|date=25 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> * On 14 July 2015, a Madhyamam Daily journalist and her husband were attacked by a group at her office. They did not accept that they were married. The police arrived before the incident escalated. Later, a Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader was arrested for leading the attack.<ref name="ThiruHusband">{{cite news|title=CPI(M) local leader arrested for 'moral police' attack on journalist and husband|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/cpim-local-leader-arrested-moral-police-attack-journalist-and-husband-32216|accessdate=10 August 2015|work=The News Minute}}</ref><ref name="AttackJourna">{{cite news|title=Bid to Attack Journalist, Husband|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Bid-to-Attack-JournalistHusband/2015/07/13/article2917258.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815002437/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Bid-to-Attack-JournalistHusband/2015/07/13/article2917258.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 August 2015|accessdate=10 August 2015|work=The New Indian Express|date=13 July 2015}}</ref> * In 2016, a Mumbai-based live-in couple committed suicide after their family opposed their marriage in Andheri east area of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/live-in-couple-suicide-andheri-east-mumbai-dhanlaxmi-society-338987-2016-09-03|title = Mumbai: Family opposes marriage, live-in couple commits suicide}}</ref> This was one of the few instances where couples cohabitating faced moral policing for bringing dishonor to the family.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Nigam |first1=Shalu |title=Violence against women in Live-in relationships and the legal safeguards |url=https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4315618 |website=SSRN |year=2023 |doi=10.2139/ssrn.4315618 |ssrn=4315618 |s2cid=256484254 |access-date=6 March 2023|url-access=subscription }}</ref> * On March 8, 2017 Moral policing happened in marine drive Kochi against the kiss of love activists. As the ‘moral police’ unleashed attack on a few couples who were reluctant to disperse, about 20 other couples present at the spot fled in fear. ‘‘Some of the couples were seen pleading to let them go. But the group abused some of the females and caned them,’’ said an eyewitness.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 2017 |title=Moral policing rears its ugly head in Kochi again |newspaper=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/moral-policing-rears-itsugly-head-in-kochi-again/article17428969.ece}}</ref> * On February 19, 2020 a man was attacked in Kochi by three people while he was riding on a motorcycle with his wife. The three people hit the man and he became unconscious. Police later arrested three of the culprits.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 February 2020 |title=ഭാര്യയുമായി ബൈക്കിൽ പോയ യുവാവിന് നേരെ സദാചാര ആക്രമണം; ബോധം പോയ യുവാവിനെ ആശുപത്രിയിൽ എത്തിച്ചതും അക്രമികൾ |url=https://malayalam.news18.com/news/crime/moral-police-attack-against-husband-and-wife-in-perumbavoor-tv-svj-nj-208661.html |language=Malayalam}}</ref> * On June 10, 2025, a social media influencer Kanchan Tiwari, also known as ‘Kamal Kaur Bhabi' was murdered by three assailants for finding her content to be obscene. The incident drew divided opinion by the Sikh community with Giani Malkit Singh, the head Granthi of Akal Takht, which is the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, claiming "If someone from another religion changes their name and indulges in such acts to defame the Sikh community, the person should meet the same fate (as Kamal Tiwari). Nothing wrong has happened". Police officials requested people to approach them with evidence of any wrongdoing and that its social media analysis centre (SMAC) and a round-the-clock cyber-patrolling unit (CPU) will remove posts with potential to disturb communal harmony following a three-tier filtering process.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2025-06-18 |title=‘Talibanisation of society’: After Punjab influencer Kamal Kaur Bhabi's killing, cops go hard on vigilantes; debate rages on what defines vulgarity |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/talibanisation-of-society-after-punjab-influencer-kamal-kaur-bhabis-killing-cops-go-hard-on-vigilantes-debate-rages-on-what-defines-vulgarity/articleshow/121916643.cms |access-date=2026-02-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==== Valentine's Day ==== {{main|Valentine's_Day_in_India#Criticism_and_protests}}

Valentine's Day is often notably opposed through violent means by Hindutva militant groups like Shiv Sena, Sri Ram Sena, and Sangh Parivar organizations such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Hindu Munnani, also political organizations like Hindu Makkal Katchi and organizations with political affiliation such as Shiv Sena affiliated Bharatiya Kamgar or CPI-M affiliated Students' Federation of India.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Groups tell couples to boycott Valentine's Day |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/groups-tell-couples-to-boycott-valentines-day/articleshow/1606384.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name="ProtestsAgainst">{{cite news |date=15 February 2013 |title=Protests against Valentine's Day celebrations |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/protests-against-valentines-day-celebrations/article4417173.ece |accessdate=27 January 2015 |work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref name="reuters2007">{{cite news |last=Mukherjee |first=Krittivas |date=23 May 2007 |title=Cultural bigotry rises as India sees social change |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-india-intolerance-idUKMOL34834320070523 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222183100/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-india-intolerance-idUKMOL34834320070523 |archive-date=22 December 2015 |accessdate=11 November 2013 |newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> Couples are often beaten up for holding hands or kissing in public.<ref name="reuters2007" /> Vigilante groups have been known to attack gift and greeting card shops prior on the occasion.<ref name="UnderFire">{{cite news |date=13 February 2003 |title=Valentine's Day celebrations under fire |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2757473.stm |access-date=7 December 2014 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Events organized in recognition of Valentine's Day are often vandalized by mobs organized through such groups.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=Hindu activists vandalise Indore college's pre-Valentine's Day event |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/indore/story/indore-narsee-munjee-institute-hindu-organisations-bajrang-dal-activists-viral-videos-vandalism-valentines-day-celebrations-2867621-2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Couples are secretly videographed to be shared online or threatened with as intimidation or pursuing police complaint under the country's public display of affection law.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-02-12 |title=On Valentine’s Day, Bajrang Dal to deploy 250 activists to make videos of couples |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/on-v-day-bajrang-dal-to-deploy-250-activists-to-make-videos-of-couples/articleshow/67947965.cms |access-date=2026-02-14 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Conservative Islamic organizations such as Students Islamic Organisation of India, Dukhtaran-e-Millat, Raza Academy and Girls Islamic Organisation are known for staging protests and calling for boycott of the date.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-02-15 |title=Girls’ Islamic Organization, Bajrang Dal protest Valentine’s Day |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jamshedpur/girls-islamic-organization-bajrang-dal-protest-valentines-day/articleshow/67999510.cms |access-date=2026-02-14 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mumbai News: Raza Academy Urges Muslim Youth To Boycott Valentine’s Day, Calls Celebrations Against Islamic Teachings |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-raza-academy-urges-muslim-youth-to-boycott-valentines-day-calls-celebrations-against-islamic-teachings |access-date=2026-02-14 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> Leaders of such organizations hold the position that it an attack of the west on Indian culture and that it is attracting youth for commercial gain.<ref name="ToughLove">{{cite news |date=14 February 2001 |title=Tough love for Indian Valentines |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1169077.stm |access-date=27 January 2015 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="Anger">{{cite news |date=11 February 2003 |title=Hindu and Muslim anger at Valentine's |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2749667.stm |access-date=27 January 2015 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Occasionally, the police also try to restrict these groups although such groups remain to be active.<ref name="CityCops">{{cite web |date=2 February 2010 |title=City cops turn moral police ahead of V-Day |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/city-cops-turn-moral-police-ahead-of-vday/574377/0 |accessdate=7 December 2014 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

===By police=== Police authorities often take actions permitted through vague and unclear laws to file complaints against individuals or even organizations for various 'immortal' activities. For example, kissing, hugging or even holding hands in public have been subject to complaint as public display of affection is a punishable offense with maximum 3 months imprisonment and/or fine under section 292 and section 294 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which does not define but rather leaves to the discretion of the courts to decide what constitutes as an offending action.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Guest |date=2024-08-23 |title=Is kissing illegal in India |url=https://blog.ipleaders.in/whats-kiss-public-display-affection-legal-india/ |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=iPleaders |language=en-US}}</ref> Police authorities have also been reported to interfere with personal lives of citizen based on suspicions of immoral activities. Politicians cite Information Technology (IT) Act to call for monitoring and blocking of social media for 'vulgar' content under cyber wing of police departments due to the power it grants as well as its unclear definitions, having the potential to emerge as new methods for censorship.<ref name=":2" /> Despite the repeal of section 66A of the Act in 2015 by the Supreme Court, most police departments continued to use it.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Apar |last2=Sekhri |first2=Abhinav |date=2018-11-04 |title=The ghosts of laws past: on the application of Section 66A of IT Act |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-ghosts-of-laws-past/article25419971.ece |access-date=2022-07-29 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> * In October 1993, Mumbai Police began arresting street-hawkers selling girlie magazines. The publishers of ''Debonair'' issued a letter to retailers declaring that their magazine was not banned. They petitioned Bombay High Court against seizures of its issues. Another magazine, ''Chastity'', delayed its November issue until it could acquire legal support against seizures.<ref name=PleasureTrade>{{cite news|title=The heat is on Bombay police crack whip on obscenity business, give pleasure trade unpleasant fright|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/story/19941231-bombay-police-crack-whip-on-obscenity-business-give-pleasure-trade-unpleasant-fright-810093-1994-12-30|work=India Today|date=31 December 1994}}</ref> * In September 2000, Mumbai Police banned kissing in the Marine Drive area. They cited the Section of 110 Mumbai Police Act, 1951 which allows the police to interfere in "disorderly behaviour." The decree was later withdrawn after protests.<ref name=KillingCupid>{{cite news|title=Killing cupid: Thanks to Mumbai Police, Marine Drive no longer a lovers' point|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20000925-thanks-to-mumbai-police-marine-drive-no-longer-a-lovers-point-778881-2000-09-24|access-date=11 December 2014|work=India Today|date=25 September 2000}}</ref> * In September 2005, the license of a Chennai night club was suspended by the police, after photographs of some couples kissing were published by two newspapers, Tamil Murasu and Dinamalar. The reason for the license suspension was given that the club served alcohol after midnight.<ref name=ChennaiKiss>{{cite news|title=When in Chennai, don't kiss or hug|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-when-in-chennai-don-t-kiss-or-hug-4083|accessdate=4 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=1 October 2005}}</ref> Following the incident, several clubs and bars in the city banned cellphones with cameras.<ref name=ChennaiLoseSleep>{{cite news|title=Chennai nightclubs lose sleep over camera phones|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-chennai-nightclubs-lose-sleep-over-camera-phones-6939|accessdate=4 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=23 October 2005}}</ref> * On 19 December 2005, police personnel raided a public park in Meerut, accompanied by cameras crews from TV channels. They attacked couples sitting in the park in front of cameras. The raid was termed "Operation Majnu" (named after the folklore) and it was claimed by the police that the purpose was to check sexual harassment.<ref name=CopMajnu>{{cite news|title=Cops didn't trip, lovers were target - Operation Majnu: crackdown on couples, not eve-teasers|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1051222/asp/nation/story_5630920.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051224024640/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1051222/asp/nation/story_5630920.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2005|accessdate=4 December 2014|work=The Telegraph (India)|date=21 December 2005}}</ref><ref name=MeerutGirls>{{cite news|title=Moral police beat up Meerut girls|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Moral-police-beat-up-Meerut-girls/pmredirectshow/1339622.cms?curpg=1|accessdate=4 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=21 December 2005}}</ref> * In November 2006, police raided a trance music festival in Ramgarh near Jaipur after local complained about alcohol, drug and sex. They also said that the laser lights at the venue were disturbing the local wildlife.<ref name=DeclareWar>{{cite news|title=India's moral police declare war on decadence|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/indias-moral-police-declare-war-on-decadence/2006/11/10/1162661900519.html|accessdate=4 December 2014|work=The Age|date=11 November 2006}}</ref><ref name=SexOverdose>{{cite news|title=Sex 'overdose' party raided|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sex-overdose-party-raided/articleshow/360875.cms|accessdate=4 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=6 November 2006}}</ref> * In January 2008, the police from D.N. Nagar of Mumbai arrested a Belgian fashion photographer named Vandelanotte Gaetan for taking nude pictures of two Indian models, Tushar Narvekar and Nitin Gupta.<ref name=FashionNude>{{cite news|title=Year-long trauma for shooting nude pictures|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/cover-story/Year-long-trauma-for-shooting-nude-pictures/articleshow/15898874.cms|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=Mumbai Mirror|date=19 February 2009}}</ref> A court discharged him in March 2009 saying a laptop is akin to a personal diary and photos stored on it cannot be used as evidence of obscenity.<ref name=NudeLaptop>{{cite news|title=Nude pics on laptop no grounds for obscenity|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/others/Nude-pics-on-laptop-no-grounds-for-obscenity/articleshow/15902938.cms|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=Mumbai Mirror|date=4 March 2009}}</ref> * In August 2008, 22 customs officers were arrested from a party at a bungalow near Lonavla. They were allegedly watching porn on a laptop and were undressed. The police also arrested 10 girls and a husband-wife duo.<ref name=22Customs>{{cite news|title=22 Mumbai customs officials arrested|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-22-mumbai-customs-officials-arrested-1186147|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=27 August 2008}}</ref> The Mumbai High Court dropped the case in September 2010 stating watching pornography in a private residence is not an offence.<ref name=PornHome>{{cite news|title=Watching porn at home isn't obscenity: Bombay high court|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-watching-porn-at-home-isn-t-obscenity-bombay-high-court-1471681|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=25 November 2010}}</ref> * In September 2008, an officer from Delhi Police filed a case of obscenity against a married couple for kissing in the Dwarka court complex. The couple appealed in the Delhi High Court. The Court noted that even though the charge-sheet claimed that the case was filed because the passerby were feeling bad, no one was mentioned by name. The Court said that kissing in public by married couples cannot be termed obscene.<ref name=HCSnubs>{{cite news|title=Delhi HC snubs anti-kissing moral police|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/newdelhi/delhi-hc-snubs-anti-kissing-moral-police/article1-374015.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215091151/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/newdelhi/delhi-hc-snubs-anti-kissing-moral-police/article1-374015.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 December 2014|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=Hindustan Times|date=3 February 2009}}</ref><ref name=CourtNotice>{{cite news|title=Court notice to Delhi police over couple's plea|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/court-notice-to-delhi-police-over-couples-plea/article345693.ece|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=The Hindu|date=3 February 2009}}</ref> The Court passed its verdict on 25 May 2009 and asked the police to drop the case against the couple. The police was asked to pay {{currency|5,000|INR}} to both husband and wife.<ref name=DelhiHCKiss>{{cite court|litigants =A & B v. State Thr. N.C.T. of Delhi & Anr. |vol = |reporter = |opinion = |pinpoint = |court = Delhi High Court|date = 25 May 2009|url=http://lobis.nic.in/dhc/SMD/judgement/27-05-2009/SMD25052009CRLMM2832009.pdf }}</ref> * On 29 November 2011, the Ghaziabad police launched its own "Operation Majnu". The police caught couples in parks and made the men do sit-ups in front of TV cameras. The head of the operation an officer called Alka Pandey said it was to prevent "innocent girls being trapped by boys with evil motives".<ref name=GhaziaCouples>{{cite news|title=Love under siege: Cops harass couples in parks in Ghaziabad|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Love-under-siege-Cops-harass-couples-in-parks-in-Ghaziabad/articleshow/10923488.cms|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=30 November 2011}}</ref> * In 2012, Assistant Police Commissioner Vasant Dhoble carried out a series of raids on bars and clubs in and around Mumbai, claiming to rescue prostitutes.<ref name=MumbaiParty>{{cite news|title=Mumbai partygoers fear police chief on moral crusade|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jul/19/mumbai-police-chief-moral-crusade|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=The Guardian (UK)|date=19 July 2012}}</ref> In one instance, he labelled four German women wrongly as sex workers in front of cameras when he arrested them on 30 March 2014 from the Voodoo pub.<ref name=DetainedGerman>{{cite news|title=Dhoble wrongly detained German women from pub|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/dhoble-wrongly-detained-german-women-from-pub-2/|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=The Indian Express|date=30 June 2012}}</ref> On 5 June 2012, Dhoble raided Masala Curry restaurant after he felt suspicious of women being allowed free entry.<ref name=NightRaider>{{cite news|title=Mumbai's Night Raider|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/20120625-mumbai-acp-dhoble-raids-nightclubs-lables-girls-as-prostitutes-758788-2012-06-16|access-date=7 December 2014|work=India Today|date=16 June 2012}}</ref> Two cousins who were picked up in the raid later filed a defamation case against Dhoble.<ref name=DhobleHC>{{cite news|title=Defamation case against Mumbai top cop Vasant Dhoble: High Court order expected today|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/defamation-case-against-mumbai-top-cop-vasant-dhoble-high-court-order-expected-today-233305|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=NDTV|date=19 June 2012}}</ref> * On 10 August 2013, Ghaziabad police raided a hotel on a tip-off and detained 56 adult couples. It was later found out of them, 52 couples were married or consenting friends. The police had carried out the raid after locals noticed usual traffic to the hotel and told the police.<ref name=GhaziaHotel/><ref name=NoRacket.>{{cite news|title=Police eats its own words, says there was only sex, no racket in Ghaziabad hotel|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/only-sex-no-racket-in-hotel-ghaziabad-police-hotel-173480-2013-08-10|access-date=16 December 2014|work=India Today|date=11 August 2013}}</ref> * Following the gang rape of a photojournalist in Mumbai in August 2013, then Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh was severely criticized by the public for defending moral policing.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2013/aug/280813-mumbai-commissioner-of-police-satyapal-singh-controversial-comments-public-ire.htm |title=Top cop Satyapal Singh attracts public ire with for his comments during TV interview |work=Mid-Day |date=28 August 2013 |accessdate=11 November 2011}}</ref> The Commissioner was quoted to have said, "On the one hand you want to have a promiscuous culture and on the other hand you want a safe and secure environment for the people."<ref>{{cite news|date=28 August 2013 |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-08-28/news/41538769_1_satyapal-singh-mumbai-police-police-commissioner |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831134432/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-08-28/news/41538769_1_satyapal-singh-mumbai-police-police-commissioner |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 August 2013 |title=Photojournalist rape: Mumbai ? police commissioner Satyapal Singh 'promiscuous' comment sparks ire|work= The Economic Times |accessdate=3 December 2014}}</ref> * Hyderabad Police raided a gay party at a club in the city on 3 September 2013. The police defended that raid under the Sector 294 of IPC that it was obscenity in a public place and that bar was serving alcohol after closing time.<ref name=GayParty>{{cite news|title=Gay party busted in Begumpet|url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130903/lifestyle-relationship/article/gay-party-busted|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209034255/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130903/lifestyle-relationship/article/gay-party-busted|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 December 2014|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=3 September 2013}}</ref> LGBT activists denounced the raid as "a classic example of moral policing" and discrimination against the LGBT community.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/raid-on-gay-party-an-act-of-moral-policing-say-activists/article5094130.ece |title=Raid on gay party an act of moral policing, say activists |work=The Hindu |date=3 September 2013|accessdate=7 December 2014}}</ref> * On 14 February 2014, the police in Gokarna attacked a party of about 200 foreigners with sticks. The police claimed that the party was going on after established time limit.<ref name=Gokarna1>{{cite news|title=200 foreigners accuse Gokarna cops of brutal assault at V-Day party|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/cover-story/200-foreigners-accuse-Gokarna-cops-of-brutal-assault-at-V-Day-party/articleshow/30633255.cms|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=Bangalore Mirror|date=19 February 2014}}</ref> The victims alleged that initially the police had demanded bribes to let the party continue, but attacked them after they refused. A petition was sent to various embassies to interfere in the matter.<ref name=TrashForeigner>{{cite news|title=Karnataka Police thrash foreigners for partying beyond permissible time|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/karnataka-police-thrash-foreigners-for-partying-beyond-permissible-time-182272-2014-02-22|access-date=7 December 2014|work=India Today|date=23 February 2014}}</ref> * On 6 August 2015, Malwani police in Mumbai, raided hotels and guest houses near Aksa Beach and Madh Island, and detained about 40 couples. Most of them were consenting couples in private rooms, but they were charged under Section 110 (Indecent behaviour in public) of the Bombay Police Act and fined {{INRConvert|1200}}.<ref name=Malwani2015>{{cite news|title=Mumbai: Couples picked up from hotel rooms, charged with 'public indecency'|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/mumbai-couples-picked-up-from-hotel-rooms-charged-with-public-indecency/16437186|accessdate=10 August 2015|work=Mid-Day|date=8 August 2015}}</ref> Only three cases were filed under Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act. Following a backlash and criticism, Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria ordered an inquiry into the raids.<ref name=ProbeOrdered>{{cite news|title=Mumbai Police Hotel Raid: Commissioner Rakesh Maria orders probe into alleged moral policing|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-mumbai-police-hotel-raid-commissioner-rakesh-maria-orders-probe-into-alleged-moral-policing-2112723|accessdate=10 August 2015|work=DNA India|date=9 August 2015}}</ref> Subsequently, Maria passed an order department wide not to use the Section 110 of the Bombay Police Act, 1951 which is an offense of Public Indecency to harass citizens and moral police them.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://zeenews.india.com/news/maharashtra/end-to-moral-policing-in-mumbai-cops-wont-use-section-110-of-bombay-police-act-anymore_1826173.html|title= End to 'moral policing' in Mumbai: Cops won't use Section 110 of Bombay Police Act anymore}}</ref> * In 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath started the anti-romeo squads in the department for safety of women and young girls from sexual harassment and eve-teasing. However, the squads were found to be involved in acts of moral policing, harassment of couples, as well as extortion.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/moral-policing-to-extortion-yogi-adityanath-must-disband-anti-romeo-squads/story-JQFxHCA0LSYp108XfTVjMN.html|title= Moral policing to extortion: Yogi Adityanath must disband anti-Romeo squads}}</ref> Due to such incidents, the Police force and the Government came under fire from media for such incidents of moral policing, as well as misuse of authority, eventually demanding that the squads be disbanded.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://indianexpress.com/article/india/up-cm-yogi-adityanath-launches-anti-romeo-squads-heres-how-international-media-reacted-4597597/|title= UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s anti-Romeo squads: ‘Moral policing’, ‘Taliban-like’, International media has its say}}</ref> * In 2021, Chennai Police intervened in a case regarding a lesbian couple, who willingly fled their houses fearing interrogation and harassment.<ref name=":0">{{Cite court|litigants=S Sushma v. Commissioner of Police|court=Madras High Court|opinion=Writ Petition No. 7284 of 2021|date=7 June 2021|url=https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis/madras-do/index.php/casestatus/viewpdf/WP_7284_2021_XXX_0_0_07062021_177.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607064921/https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis/madras-do/index.php/casestatus/viewpdf/WP_7284_2021_XXX_0_0_07062021_177.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2021-06-07}}</ref> The couple approached the Madras High Court; the verdict passed by judge N Anand Venkatesh ruled in their favor, ruling the need to reform and introduce a specific clause while dealing with same sex couples.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Bhaumik |first=Aaratrika |date=2021-09-01 |title=Madras High Court Issues Directions To Curb Police Harassment, Insensitive Media Reporting Against LGBTQ + Community, Calls For Change In Queerphobic MBBS Curriculum |url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/madras-high-court-lgbtq-community-police-harassment-directions-180682 |access-date=2021-09-13 |website=www.livelaw.in |language=en}}</ref> Furthermore, in the interim ruling, Judge Venkatesh prohibited Conversion Therapy, besides suggesting comprehensive measures to sensitize the society and remove prejudices against the LGBTQIA+ community.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2021-06-07|title=Madras High Court bans medical attempts to "cure" sexual orientation, issues guidelines for LGBTQIA+ community safety|url=https://www.indialegallive.com/constitutional-law-news/courts-news/madras-high-court-bans-medical-attempts-to-cure-sexual-orientation-issues-guidelines-for-lgbtqia-community-safety/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=India Legal|language=en-US}}</ref> * In September 2024, an influencer wearing a bikini at a beach in Udupi was asked to wear decent clothes by 2 police officers, after being warned that goons would beat them up. She subsequently posted on Instagram about the moral policing.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/can-i-not-wear-bikini-in-udupi-influencer-claims-moral-policing-by-karnataka-cops-101725179777866.html#google_vignette|title= ‘Can I not wear bikini in Udupi?’: Influencer claims moral policing by Karnataka cops}}</ref> * In December 2025, a Station House Officer in Mau, Uttar Pradesh, was transferred, after she was found questioning a school girl and her brother, warning them not to be roaming around without guardians after suspecting a relationship between the siblings, which sparked widespread condemnation of moral policing. As a result of this, Mau Superintendent of Police stated to the media about sensitising and counselling all police personnel regarding their behavior with the public.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/dont-roam-without-guardian-up-cops-advice-to-girl-sparks-row-9821195|title= Moral Policing Gone Wrong. UP Cop Schools Sister For Roaming With Brother}}</ref>

===By the Governing bodies and Judiciary systems===

====Central Board of Film Certification==== {{main|Central Board of Film Certification|List of films banned in India}}

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) or the Censor Board, which is tasked with regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the "Cinematograph Act, 1952", has been accused of moral policing by some filmmakers. Director Anurag Kashyap has argued that it is infeasible to have a single body for a large and diverse country like India.<ref name=censor-board>{{cite news|title=Censor board or moral police?|url=http://www.mid-day.com/opinion/2011/sep/090911-moral-police-Censor-board-Anurag-Kashyap.htm|accessdate=23 February 2014|newspaper=Mid-Day|date=9 September 2009|last=Shetty-Saha|first=Shubha|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007050553/http://www.mid-day.com/opinion/2011/sep/090911-moral-police-Censor-board-Anurag-Kashyap.htm|archivedate=7 October 2013}}</ref> Director Prakash Jha has pointed out that even if a film is certified by the Board, it is often not allowed a release in some states due to protests from local political parties or moral police. He has also said that the Board should be scrapped and each film-maker should simply state the type of content in the film because the society is mature enough to understand it.<ref name=AilsCensor>{{cite news|title=What ails the Indian Censor Board?|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/what-ails-the-indian-censor-board/15534160|accessdate=6 December 2014|work=Mid-Day|date=16 August 2014}}</ref> Sudhir Mishra has noted that censor committees have been influenced to giving films lighter ratings.<ref name=AilsCensor/>

The former chief of the Censor Board, Sharmila Tagore, has defended the body saying that it does not carried out moral policing.<ref name=SharmilaCensor>{{cite news|title=Censor Board not for moral policing: Sharmila Tagore|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/129508/censor-board-not-moral-policing.html|accessdate=6 December 2014|work=Deccan Herald|date=15 January 2011}}</ref> In August 2014, then chief of the Censor Board, Rakesh Kumar, was arrested for allegedly delaying certifications to films and demanding bribes to speed up the process.<ref name=CBIArrestCEO>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/CBI-arrests-censor-board-CEO-Rakesh-Kumar-for-taking-bribe/articleshow/40379497.cms|title=CBI arrests censor board CEO Rakesh Kumar for taking bribe|accessdate=6 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=18 August 2014}}</ref>

====Restrictions on night life and alcohol==== {{see also|Prohibition in India}} Throughout India, restrictions have been place by some state governments on timings for pubs, bars and other establishments that sell liquor.<ref name="theage2005">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/india-assumes-the-moral-position/2005/11/25/1132703377098.html |title=India assumes the moral position |work=The Age |date=25 November 2005|accessdate=7 December 2014}}</ref>

* The 2005 ban on dance bars in Maharashtra was considered to be an act of moral policing. Prior to the ban, the state government had claimed that the bars had a "corrupting influence on youth and compromised the moral standards of local men". As a result of the ban thousands of women employed by the 750 bars in the state lost their jobs and many were forced into prostitution.<ref name="theage2005"/> In June 2011, the state raised the legal age of drinking to 25, from previous 21.<ref name=25Hard>{{cite news|title=Maharashtra raises age for consumption of hard liquor to 25|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/maharashtra-raises-age-for-consumption-of-hard-liquor-to-25/article2068901.ece|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=2 June 2011}}</ref> Furthermore, an old law called "Bombay Prohibition of Foreign Liquor Act, 1949", mandates anyone seeking to buy, possess or consume alcohol to obtain a special permit.<ref name=PermitPIL>{{cite news|title=PIL urges scrapping of 'archaic' and 'superfluous' liquor permit system in Maharashtra|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/PIL-urges-scrapping-of-archaic-and-superfluous-liquor-permit-system-in-Maharashtra/articleshow/39898075.cms|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=8 August 2014}}</ref> * The state of Karnataka has a law dating back to 1967, called Rule 11(1) of the "Karnataka Excise Licenses Rules of 1967", which prohibits dancing in establishments which serve alcohol. In July 2014, the Karnataka High Court asked the government of amend the law, stating that it was unconstitutional as it violated the Freedom of Expression.<ref name=ReverseBanDancing>{{cite news|title=Reverse Ban on Dancing in Bars, HC Tells State Govt|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/Reverse-Ban-on-Dancing-in-Bars-HC-Tells-State-Govt/2014/07/10/article2323287.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140929224901/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/Reverse-Ban-on-Dancing-in-Bars-HC-Tells-State-Govt/2014/07/10/article2323287.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 September 2014|accessdate=6 December 2014|work=The New Indian Express|date=10 July 2014}}</ref> This law had been used by the local police to ban dancing in bars and clubs, especially in Bangalore.<ref name=BangaloreRight>{{cite news|title=Is Bangalore right about its right to dance?|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/blogs/thewatercooler/bangalore-dance-103114787.html|accessdate=7 December 2014|work=Yahoo News|date=26 September 2011}}</ref>

====Opposition to sex education in schools====

The Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) was a sex education program designed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (India) and National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) to implement the policies of the National AIDS Control Programme II (NACP II).<ref name=NACO>{{cite web|title=Adolescence Education Programme (AEP)|url=http://naco.gov.in/NACO/Quick_Links/Youth/School_Age_Education_Program_SAEP/|publisher=National AIDS Control Organisation|access-date=6 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314020408/http://naco.gov.in/NACO/Quick_Links/Youth/School_Age_Education_Program_SAEP/|archive-date=14 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, it faced opposition in various states, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.<ref name=SexEdAngers>{{cite news|title=Sex education curriculum angers Indian conservatives|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/24/world/asia/24iht-letter.1.5851113.html?pagewanted=all|accessdate=6 January 2015|work=The New York Times|date=24 March 2007}}</ref>

* In February 2007, Gujarat government in a press release stated that it would not be introducing sex education in the state. It stated that the books suggested in the program by the Central government were inappropriate for children.<ref name=GujaratSexEd>{{cite news|title=No more sex education in Gujarat schools|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/No-more-sex-education-in-Gujarat-schools/articleshow/1634848.cms|accessdate=6 January 2015|work=The Times of India|date=18 February 2007}}</ref> However, in April 2010, it reintroduced sex education in a diluted form.<ref name=GujImprovisedSexEd>{{cite news|title=Gujarat introduces 'improvised' module for sex education|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/gujarat-introduces--improvised--module-for-sex-education/610528/|accessdate=6 January 2015|work=The Indian Express|date=24 April 2010}}</ref> * In March 2007, Maharashtra government banned sex education in schools.<ref name=MHSexEdBan>{{cite news|title=Maharashtra resorts to another ban|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/maharashtra-resorts-to-another-ban/article1822059.ece|accessdate=6 January 2015|work=The Hindu|date=2 April 2007}}</ref> The ban came after the ruling and opposition Members of the Legislative Assembly protested in the state assembly claiming that western countries had forced the Central government to implement the program.<ref name=MahaCorrupts>{{cite news|title=No sex education please, it corrupts, and this is Maharashtra|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/no-sex-education-please-it-corrupts-and-this-is-maharashtra/27130/0|accessdate=6 January 2015|work=The Indian Express|date=31 March 2007}}</ref> * In April 2007, the Karnataka Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Basavaraj Horatti said that the program has been put on hold after complaints from teachers. The teachers had complained that the books was oriented towards increasing the sales of condoms, and that the illustrations were against Indian culture and sexually provocative.<ref name=KarSexEd>{{cite news|title=No sex education in Karnataka schools now: Minister|url=http://www.oneindia.com/2007/04/18/no-sex-education-in-karnataka-schools-now-minister-1176893759.html|accessdate=6 January 2015|work=One India|date=18 April 2007}}</ref> * In May 2007, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan banned sex education in schools claiming that sex education has no place in Indian culture.<ref name=MPbansSexEd>{{cite news|title=Madhya Pradesh bans sex education|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/madhya-pradesh-bans-sex-education/25871/|accessdate=6 January 2015|work=The Indian Express|date=17 March 2007}}</ref> * In May 2007, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje wrote a letter to Arjun Singh, then Union Minister of Human Resource Development. In the letter, she stated that children in Class IX and XI, at whom the course was directed, do not require sex education as they are in the early stages of puberty. The state Education Minister Ghansyam Tiwari stated that they already had a life skills course called Jeevan Shaili, and sex education will have a negative impact on young minds.<ref name=TooHotForVHP>{{cite news|title=Sex education course too hot for VHP|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sex-education-course-too-hot-for-vhp-/29953/|accessdate=6 January 2015|work=The Indian Express|date=3 May 2007}}</ref>

====Others==== * In 1996, it was announced by a Chandigarh-based company Global Internet Ltd. that an adult entertainment pay channel<ref name="Oza2012"/> called Plus 21 would be launched in India. In response to this, the National Commission for Women (NCW) filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court.<ref name="Women'sMovement">{{cite book|title=Writing the Women's Movement: A Reader|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Efv3V7Y9WzsC&pg=PA493|accessdate=26 December 2014|date=1 January 2005|publisher=Zubaan|isbn=978-81-86706-99-2|page=493}}</ref> NCW claimed that it was performing its stipulated functions of protecting the interests of women and preventing culture shock to viewers. NCW was represented by notable feminist lawyer Indira Jaising. NCW claimed that channel would be showing pornography which would violate Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986. The argument also cited the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.<ref name="Oza2012">{{cite book|last=Oza|first=Rupal|title=The Making of Neoliberal India: Nationalism, Gender, and the Paradoxes of Globalization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3Uz6tDR5L4gC&pg=PT82|accessdate=26 December 2014|date=6 December 2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-08226-9|pages=71–73}}</ref> The High Court put an injunction against the launch of the channel.<ref name=NCW>{{cite web|title=National Commission for Women|url=http://wcddel.in/ncfw.html|website=Department of Women and Children|publisher=Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi|accessdate=26 December 2014|quote=The Hon'ble High Court of Delhi put an injection on the launching of +21 adult channel by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India.}}</ref> * In the 2001, the Information and Broadcasting ministry banned two television channels TB6 and Fashion TV.<ref name=banSushmaFTV>{{cite news|title=Centre considering ban on FTV: Sushma|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2001/01/01/stories/0201000k.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150118165253/http://www.thehindu.com/2001/01/01/stories/0201000k.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 January 2015|accessdate=11 January 2015|work=The Hindu|date=1 January 2001}}</ref><ref name="O'brei2009">{{cite book|author=Comp. & Edited By Derek O'brei|title=Penguin Cnbc-Tv18 Business Yearbook 2009|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QHrgZYS9fI4C&pg=PA140|accessdate=11 January 2015|date=1 June 2009|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=978-0-14-306570-8|page=140}}</ref> * In December 2000, after Priyanka Chopra was crowned Miss World, beauty contests were banned in her home state of Uttar Pradesh under the orders of then Chief Minister Rajnath Singh. He claimed that beauty contests were against traditional culture and were vulgar. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad praised the ban.<ref name=BarsBeauty>{{cite news|title=Home State of Miss World Bars Beauty Pageants|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-dec-16-mn-1355-story.html|access-date=24 December 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|date=16 December 2000}}</ref><ref name=strangehome>{{cite news|title=Strange Homecoming: Miss World evokes an odd reaction: a ban on beauty shows|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Strange-Homecoming/210657|accessdate=24 December 2014|work=Outlook India|date=8 January 2001}}</ref> * In 2003, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj removed condom ads, funded by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), from public broadcasting channel Doordarshan.<ref name=CondomAdBan>{{cite news|title=Condom, Condemned Health experts are flummoxed by Sushma Swaraj's moral turn on AIDS awareness|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Condom-Condemned/220387|accessdate=5 March 2015|work=Outlook India|date=9 June 2003}}</ref> * In January 2007, the Information and Broadcasting ministry banned the TV channel AXN for two months. The channel was allegedly adversely affecting public morality by broadcasting a show called 'World's Sexiest Commercials' after 11 pm.<ref name=AXNbanned>{{cite news|title=AXN banned for 'indecent' programme|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/AXN-banned-for-indecent-programme/articleshow/1260124.cms|accessdate=24 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=18 January 2007}}</ref> * In March 2007, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting banned Fashion TV for two months for broadcasting programs that were capable of corrupting public morality.<ref name=FTVbanned>{{cite news|title=FTV banned|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/ftv-banned/article1817756.ece|accessdate=11 January 2015|work=The Hindu|date=30 March 2007}}</ref> * In June 2009, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued a notice to various internet service providers and directed them to block the pornographic webcomic called Savita Bhabhi.<ref name=SavitaNoMore>{{cite news|title='Savita Bhabhi' is no more|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-savita-bhabhi-is-no-more-1269660|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=30 June 2009}}</ref><ref name=ToonPornSavita>{{cite news|title=Govt bans toon porn star Savita Bhabhi|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/headlines-today-top-stories/story/govt-bans-toon-porn-star-savita-bhabhi-51769-2009-07-08|access-date=16 December 2014|work=India Today|date=9 July 2009}}</ref> * In March 2013, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ordered Fashion TV to be taken off air for 10 days, for violating the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. The government claimed the channel was showing obscene and vulgar visuals which were unsuitable for the public and children. This was the 3rd time the channel was ordered to go off-air.<ref name=FTV>{{cite news|title=Fashion TV ordered off air in India for 'indecent' visuals|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/fashion-tv-ordered-off-air-in-india-for-indecent-visuals/1094444/0|accessdate=11 January 2015|work=The Indian Express|date=28 March 2013}}</ref> * In May 2014, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology suspended the TV channel Comedy Central for 10 days. The ministry claimed that Comedy Central had violated Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, by showing shows which were obscene and denigrated women.<ref name=CCban10days>{{cite news|title=Comedy Central banned for 10 days|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/comedy-central-banned-for-10-days/article4750821.ece|accessdate=8 January 2015|work=The Hindu|date=26 May 2013}}</ref> In November 2014, Delhi High Court upheld the government's order. By this time, the channel had gone off air for 4 days. They had appealed in the court claiming that their right to broadcast was protected under Article 19 of the Constitution. The court had also upheld a fine of {{currency|20,000|INR}}.<ref name=NoLaughs>{{cite news|title=No laughs for Comedy Central as Delhi High Court upholds Centre's ban on transmission|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-no-laughs-for-comedy-central-as-delhi-high-court-upholds-centre-s-ban-on-transmission-2038387|accessdate=8 January 2015|work=DNA India|date=25 November 2014}}</ref> However, later in the same month the Supreme Court stayed the order and allowed further hearing.<ref name=SCstaysCCban>{{cite news|title=SC stays Delhi high court order on Comedy Central ban|url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/FbPhn3NjhXkx9JhoLgESGI/SC-stays-Delhi-high-court-order-on-banning-Comedy-Central.html|accessdate=8 January 2015|work=Live Mint|date=28 November 2014}}</ref> * In March 2015, local authorities in the Malda district of West Bengal cancelled a women's football match, featuring national team players, between a Kolkata side and a North Bengal team in March 2015. The order came after Muslim residents and local maulvis objected to women playing sports. Biplab Roy, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Harishchandrapur, Malda explained, "When I came to know about the local opposition, I referred the matter to the SP and the DM, and the local police station. The order came from the top that the match should be cancelled, and I acted accordingly in the interest of peace and tranquillity and public order."<ref name=MaulvisaClothers>{{cite news|title=West Bengal: Mamata's officials stop women's football match after maulvis object to players' clothes|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/mamata-banerjees-officials-stop-womens-football-match-after-maulvis-object-to-players-clothes/|accessdate=10 August 2015|work=The Indian Express|date=17 March 2015}}</ref> * In 2016, a man was killed in Mankada, Malappuram, Kerala for visiting his girlfriend in the night. The victim was a 42-year-old man called Nazeer from the same locality. Around three in the morning some of his neighbours spotted him in a house where a woman was living alone. They attacked him and killed as an act of ''moral policing''. Kerala police have arrested three persons in connection with this incident.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-06-29 |title=Man beaten to death at Mankada, moral policing suspected |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Man-beaten-to-death-at-Mankada-moral-policing-suspected/articleshow/52953956.cms |access-date=2023-06-02 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

===Accusations of obscenity against personalities=== * In 1993, during Nelson Mandela's visit to India, he kissed actress Shabana Azmi on the cheek. The incident created a controversy and drew criticism from the Muslim community.<ref name=KissMeans>{{cite news|title=When a kiss means more|url=http://mg.co.za/article/1993-12-23-when-a-kiss-means-more|accessdate=11 December 2014|work=Mail and Guardian|date=23 December 1993}}</ref><ref name=ShabanaKiss>{{cite news|title=Know what happened when Nelson Mandela kissed Shabana Azmi|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-what-happened-when-nelson-mandela-kissed-shabana-azmi-31180.html|accessdate=11 December 2014|work=India TV|date=7 December 2013}}</ref> * In 1995, an obscenity case was filed against model-turned actor Milind Soman and Madhu Sapre for posing nude in a shoe advertisement. They were acquitted by a Mumbai court in December 2009.<ref name=MilindAcquited>{{cite news|title=Models Milind Soman, Madhu Sapre acquitted in obscenity case|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Models-Milind-Soman-Madhu-Sapre-acquitted-in-obscenity-case/articleshow/5279293.cms|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=29 November 2009}}</ref> The court said that what may consider obscene for one, may not be so for others.<ref name=TuffAd>{{cite news|title='Tuff ad didn't bring impure thoughts'|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-tuff-ad-didn-t-bring-impure-thoughts-1320879|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=7 December 2009}}</ref> * In February 2000, a Mumbai court heard an obscenity case against actresses, Pooja Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Mamta Kulkarni, Karisma Kapoor, Tabassum Hashmi, Raveena Tandon and Juhi Chawla. The main complainant in the case was Archana Chavan, head of the Baroda-based Nari Shakti Sanghatna. She claimed that the actresses were corrupting Indian culture. The court dropped the case stating the allegation of obscenity were vague.<ref name=NotGuilty2000>{{cite news|title=Not guilty|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/feb/16obseen.htm|accessdate=11 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=16 February 2000}}</ref> * In July 2000, an obscenity case against Mamta Kulkarni was heard in a Mumbai court. She was accused of posing obscenely on the cover of magazine called Stardust in 1993.<ref name=BurqaKulkarni>{{cite news|title=Cover girl Fundamentalist group in Mumbai threatens Mamta Kulkarni for wearing burqa to court|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20000814-fundamentalist-group-in-mumbai-threatens-mamta-kulkarni-for-wearing-burqa-to-court-777862-2000-08-13|access-date=13 December 2014|work=India Today|date=14 August 2000}}</ref> The court fined her {{currency|15,000|INR}} however the judgement was quashed by the Mumbai High Court as lower court didn't have authority to levy fines over {{currency|5,000|INR}}.<ref name=MamtaTightSpot>{{cite news|title=Mamta in a tight spot!|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2000/sep/07mamta.htm|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=7 September 2000}}</ref> * In January 2005, a case was filed against Pooja Bhatt, the director of a film called Rog. The complainant was a St Xavier's College lecturer, Pratibha Naithani, who considered the posters of film obscene.<ref name=PosterAgain>{{cite news|title=Pooja Bhatt in trouble over 'obscene' poster again|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Pooja-Bhatt-in-trouble-over-obscene-poster-again/articleshow/7255253.cms|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=11 January 2011}}</ref><ref name=HotPoster>{{cite news|title=Hot Poster: Cops on Pooja's trail|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Hot-Poster-Cops-on-Poojas-trail/articleshow/992306.cms|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=17 January 2005}}</ref> The case was dropped in 2008 by a Bandra court. But it was reopened in 2011, after the petition of one Vinod Jain. In November 2012, the Bombay High Court dropped the case.<ref name=RogContinues>{{cite news|title=Pooja Bhatt's fight for 'Rog' obscenity case continues|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pooja-bhatts-fight-for-rog-obscenity-case-continues/448382-8-66.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130150753/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pooja-bhatts-fight-for-rog-obscenity-case-continues/448382-8-66.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 January 2014|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=IBNLive|date=28 January 2014}}</ref> * In 2006, a Madurai-based lawyer, Dakshninammorthy, filed a case against actress Shilpa Shetty and Reema Sen, under Section 109 of the Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Publication of Obscene Pictures Act and Section 3 of the Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act. The lawsuit came in response to some photographs published in a newspaper called Tamil Murasu. The petitioner claimed that the pictures polluted the minds of the youth. The court had issued non-bailable warrants against the actresses.<ref name=ReemaSen>{{cite news|title=Arrest warrants against Shilpa Shetty, Reema Sen|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/20shilpa.htm|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=20 June 2006}}</ref> On 23 April 2008, the Madras High Court dropped that case against the two actresses, but added that the case could be continued against the publishers.<ref name=ReemaQuash>{{cite news|title=Case against Shilpa Shetty and Reema Sen quashed|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/case-against-shilpa-shetty-and-reema-sen-quashed/article1245418.ece|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=The Hindu|date=24 April 2008}}</ref> * In May 2006, a case filed against an item girl, Rakhi Sawant, after a live performance for "indecent behaviour" and "destroying public peace" under Section 110, 112, 117 of the Bombay Police Act, 1951. The organizer was also indicted in the case.<ref name=SawantBooked>{{cite news|title='Item girl' Rakhi Sawant booked for obscenity|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-item-girl-rakhi-sawant-booked-for-obscenity-1030327|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=20 May 2006}}</ref><ref name=RakhiSawant>{{cite news|title=Rakhi Sawant booked for indecency|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Rakhi-Sawant-booked-for-indecency/pmredirectshow/1540132.cms?curpg=1|accessdate=13 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=21 May 2006}}</ref> * In 2006, Shailendra Dwivedi, an Indore-based lawyer, filed an obscenity case against actors Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan for kissing in the movie Dhoom 2. The lawyer claimed that the scene was vulgar and couldn't be watched by Indian families.<ref name=BollywoodStars>{{cite news|title=Obscenity charge filed against Bollywood stars|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/obscenity-charge-filed-against-bollywood-stars-1.625627|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=CBC News|date=3 December 2006}}</ref><ref name=ManWhoFiled>{{cite news|title=The man who filed a case against Ash, Hrithik|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/dec/11sfa.htm|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=11 December 2006}}</ref> A separate case had been filed by a Muzaffarpur-based lawyer named Sudhir Kumar Ojha.<ref name=SummonsKissDhoom2>{{cite news|title=Court summons Ash, Hrithik for kiss in 'Dhoom-2'|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-court-summons-ash-hrithik-for-kiss-in-dhoom-2-1093329|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=27 April 2007}}</ref> * In January 2007, Vinod Jain tried to file an obscenity case against actress Mallika Sherawat in the Santacruz police station after watching the telecast of a New Year's performance on television.<ref name=SeeksMallikaAction>{{cite news|title=Activist seeks police action against Mallika|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/mal/20070104.htm|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=4 January 2007}}</ref> The police examined the footage and decided not file a case after pointing out that Sherawat was wearing a skin-coloured suit.<ref name=MallikaStrip>{{cite news|title=Mallika will strip all men|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/10mallika.htm|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=Rediff|date=10 January 2007}}</ref> However, later a Bandra court had accepted the petition.<ref name=MallikaSummoned>{{cite news|title=Mallika summoned in obscenity case|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-mallika-summoned-in-obscenity-case-1191496|accessdate=17 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=19 September 2008}}</ref> In June 2007, Narendra Tiwari, the President of the Baroda bar association, filed an obscenity case against her for the same performance.<ref name=MallikaDirty>{{cite news|title=Mallika caught in another 'dirty' case|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mallika-caught-in-another-dirty-case/31116-8.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141217205330/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mallika-caught-in-another-dirty-case/31116-8.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 December 2014|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=IBNLive|date=17 June 2007}}</ref> In January 2011, Sherawat was acquitted in one of the cases but Vinod Jain said that he will appeal in the Mumbai High Court.<ref name=SherawatAcquitted>{{cite news|title=Mallika Sherawat acquitted from obscenity case|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/mallika-sherawat-acquitted-from-obscenity-case/743555/|accessdate=17 December 2014|work=The Indian Express|date=29 January 2011}}</ref> In the other case, Sherawat appealed to the Gujarat High Court to drop the case, but the Court rejected the appeal on 2 March 2013. On 16 August 2013, the Supreme Court of India stayed the proceedings on appeal.<ref name=SCStaysSherwat>{{cite news|title=Obscenity case: SC stays proceedings against Mallika Sherawat|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-obscenity-case-sc-stays-proceedings-against-mallika-sherawat-1875322|accessdate=17 December 2014|work=DNA India|date=16 August 2013}}</ref> * Shilpa Shetty and Richard Gere kissing incident: In April 2007, effigies of Hollywood actor Richard Gere and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty were burnt after Gere kissed Shetty on the cheek at an AIDS awareness function in Delhi, and a Rajasthan court ordered Gere's arrest on obscenity charges.<ref name="reuters2007"/> The lawsuit had been filed by a lawyer named Poonam Chand Bhandari claimed to have been annoyed by the obscene act.<ref name=RajasthanCourt>{{cite news|title=Rajasthan court issues warrant against Gere|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajasthan-court-issues-warrant-against-gere/article1-218850.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216114141/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajasthan-court-issues-warrant-against-gere/article1-218850.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 December 2014|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=Hindustan Times|date=26 April 2007}}</ref> Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee described the court order as reminiscent of the "Taliban moral police".<ref name="GereOutrage">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Geres-arrest-warrant-outrages-legal-experts/articleshow/1962371.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007052611/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-04-27/india/27884503_1_arrest-warrant-hollywood-actor-richard-gere-aids-awareness |url-status=live |archive-date=7 October 2013 |title=Gere's arrest warrant outrages legal experts|work= The Times of India |date=27 April 2007 |access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=Talibanstyle>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/taliban-style-in-bjp-s-karnataka-moral-cops-assault-girls-in-pub/415303/0 |title=Taliban style in BJP's Karnataka: moral cops assault girls in pub |work=The Indian Express |date=26 January 2010|accessdate=9 December 2014}}</ref> In April 2008, the Supreme Court of India dropped the arrest warrant against Gere and said that he is free to enter and leave India anytime.<ref name=GereCleared>{{cite news|title=Richard Gere cleared of obscenity|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7295797.stm|access-date=3 December 2014|work=BBC News|date=14 April 2008}}</ref> In November 2011, the Supreme Court shifted the case against Shetty to a Mumbai court.<ref name=TransferShetty>{{cite news|title=Kissing row:SC transfers cases against Shilpa Shetty to Mumbai|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/kissing-rowsc-transfers-cases-against-shilpa-shetty-to-mumbai/878697/|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=The Indian Express|date=21 November 2011}}</ref> * In 2009, an obscenity case was filed against actor Akshay Kumar and his wife Twinkle Khanna by an activist named Anil Nair. During a fashion show in Mumbai, Kumar had allegedly walked down the ramp and asked his wife who was seated in the front to unbutton his jeans.<ref name=AkshayTwinkle>{{cite news|title=Obscenity case filed against Akshay, Twinkle|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/obscenity-case-filed-against-akshay-twinkle/89505-8.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141217141926/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/obscenity-case-filed-against-akshay-twinkle/89505-8.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 December 2014|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=IBNLive|date=5 April 2009}}</ref> * In 2009, Rajnikant Borile, a social worker, filed an obscenity case against Mallika Sherawat in Yavatmal, claiming she had performed obscene acts in her various films which affected the society and the younger generation.<ref name=MallikaToFight>{{cite news|title=Mallika Sherawat to fight against obscenity charge|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tabloid/mallika-sherawat-to-fight-against-obscenity-charge/article1-598463.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915064413/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tabloid/Mallika-Sherawat-to-fight-against-obscenity-charge/Article1-598463.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 September 2010|accessdate=16 December 2014|work=Hindustan Times|date=10 September 2010}}</ref> * In December 2011, a Nampally-based lawyer Sai Krishna Azad filed an obscenity case against actress Vidya Balan. According to him, poster and advesitisement of the film The Dirty Picture, starring Balan, were spoiling the minds of people and causing harm to the society. The court accepted petition, it directed police to book Balan and take action against the posters.<ref name=VidyaBook>{{cite news|title=Court asks police to book Vidya for obscenity|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/court-asks-police-to-book-vidya-for-obscenity/210039-8-66.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109145546/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/court-asks-police-to-book-vidya-for-obscenity/210039-8-66.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 January 2012|accessdate=17 December 2014|work=IBNLive|date=8 December 2011}}</ref><ref name=Balan1>{{cite news|title=Obscenity case against Vidya Balan|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Obscenity-case-against-Vidya-Balan/articleshow/11150727.cms|accessdate=17 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=18 December 2011}}</ref> * On 2 February 2015, Akhilesh Tiwari, president of Brahman Ekta Seva Sanstha filed a complaint against film-maker Karan Johar, and actors Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in Mumbai. They claimed that they had appeared in a YouTube comedy channel's roast event held in December 2014, All India Bakchod Knockout, whose videos were uploaded to the internet. The complaint accused the three of using filthy language. The Maharashtra government also ordered an inquiry. The video removed from on 3 February by the channel. Later, in a separate complaint filed by one Wazir Shaikh in Pune, accusations against 14 people were included. It named Deepika Padukone, who was kissed by Ranveer Singh. Sonakshi Sinha was also named in it. YouTube was accused of distributing the obscene content. The charges filed were Indian Penal Code Section 292 (distribution of obscene content) and Section 294 (obscene act in public place); and Section 67a of IT Act (transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act in electronic form).<ref name=AIBRoastFilthyLanguage>{{cite news|title=AIB roast: Police complaint lodged against Bollywood stars for filthy language|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/AIB-roast-Police-complaint-lodged-against-Bollywood-stars-for-filthy-language/articleshow/46098072.cms|accessdate=6 February 2015|work=The Times of India|date=2 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=Deepika14Others>{{cite news|title=AIB Roast row: FIRs against Deepika, Sonakshi and 14 others|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/top-stories/story/aib-roast-row-fir-against-deepika-padukone-sonakshi-sinha-238906-2015-02-05|work=India Today|date=5 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=DeepikaNewComplaint>{{cite news|title=Ranveer, Deepika, YouTube, AIB All Named in New Complaint: Police|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pune-police-register-fir-against-aib-roast-youtube-737303|accessdate=6 February 2015|work=NDTV|date=6 February 2015}}</ref> * On 10 February 2025, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, appearing as a guest judge in India's Got Latent asked the following question to a contestant: "Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once to make it stop forever?". Due to its vulgar nature, various personalities involved in the episode faced public criticism as well as having FIR filed against for "promoting obscenity" and using offensive language.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-11 |title=Trouble mounts for Ranveer Allahbadia & others linked to Samay Raina's show: Top developments |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/trouble-mounts-for-ranveer-allahbadia-others-linked-to-samay-rainas-show-indias-got-latent-top-developments/articleshow/118151638.cms |access-date=2026-02-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-10 |title=Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announces FIR against YouTubers, influencers for obscenity on India’s Got Latent |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-announces-fir-against-youtubers-influencers-for-obscenity-on-indias-got-latent/articleshow/118124913.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2026-02-07 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> The controversy as well as the politicized nature of the incident lead to cancellation of the show, arrest two personalities involved in the show who have been granted bail and protection from arrest,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Livemint |date=2025-03-07 |title=Ranveer Allahbadia appears before Assam Police in connection with ‘India’s Got Latent’ case {{!}} Video {{!}} Today News |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ranveer-allahbadia-appears-before-assam-guwahati-police-in-connection-with-in-india-s-got-latent-case-samya-raina-11741344455157.html |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-03-08 |title=Gauhati HC grants anticipatory bail to Ashish Chanchlani in 'India's Got Latent' case |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/gauhati-hc-grants-anticipatory-bail-to-ashish-chanchlani-in-indias-got-latent-case/articleshow/118803248.cms |access-date=2026-02-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> death threats including a bounty by a far-right Hindutva group, rape and acid attack threats on a female cast member,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mukhopadhyay |first=Sounak |date=2025-04-08 |title=Rape-death threats: Rebel Kid Apoorva Mukhija exposes trolls, gets massive support, ‘More power to you’ {{!}} Today News |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/the-rebel-kid-apoorva-makhija-rape-death-threats-india-s-got-latent-11744112492556.html |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> as well as Supreme Court recommendation for Union to draft regulations for online content.<ref>{{Cite web |title=“He must have some repentance,” SC permits Ranveer Allahbadia to resume his show |url=https://www.scobserver.in/journal/he-must-have-some-repentance-sc-permits-ranveer-allahbadia-to-resume-his-show/ |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=Supreme Court Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> The incident has sparked criticism of hypocrisy of the judiciary and police about not taking any legal action against political figures who have made derogatory comments about women and hate-speech in the past as well as concerns of the BJP government spreading moral panic and using the controversy to tighten internet censorship in India.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecqkmjv9i9I |title=BeerBiceps, Samay Raina & The Hypocrisy of TV News Anchors {{!}} TV Newsance 286 |date=2025-02-14 |last=newslaundry |access-date=2026-02-07 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Wire Talks {{!}} After Beer Biceps Case, Could Broadcast Bill Be Pushed Through the Backdoor? |url=https://thewire.in/culture/media/the-wire-talks-after-beer-biceps-case-could-broadcast-bill-be-pushed-through-the-backdoor |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Begam |first=Amana |date=2025-02-14 |title=Moral panic over Ranveer Allahbadia comes from India's family hierarchy |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/moral-panic-over-ranveer-allahbadia-india-family-hierarchy/2494687/ |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Other=== * Some colleges and universities enforce a dress code on their students, usually restricting girls from wearing Western clothing. The rationale behind such restriction has been that such clothes attract "eve-teasing".<ref name="jeans ban">{{cite news |url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090622-150075.html |title=Indian students riled by jeans ban |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=22 June 2009 |accessdate=11 November 2011 |archive-date=25 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225100158/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090622-150075.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Protests against moral policing==

In 2009, following the 2009 Mangalore pub attack, an organisation called "Consortium of Pubgoing, Loose forward Women" started a movement called the "Pink chaddi campaign". The movement requested people to mail pink underwear to Pramod Muthalik the leader of Sri Ram Sena which was behind the attacks. About 34,000 people participated.<ref name=Chaddi>{{cite news|title='Pink chaddi' campaign a hit, draws over 34,000 members|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pink-chaddi-campaign-a-hit-draws-over-34000-members/articleshow/4126529.cms|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=14 February 2009}}</ref>

In the state of Kerala, a public hugging and kissing campaign by name 'Kiss of Love' was launched in protest against moral policing on 2 November 2014.<ref name=Toix1>{{cite news|last1=B|first1=Viju|title='Kiss of love' movement: They came, dared the mob, did it|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kiss-of-love-movement-They-came-dared-the-mob-did-it/articleshow/45016955.cms|accessdate=3 November 2014|work=The Times of India}}</ref> Similar events were later organized in Delhi,<ref name=RSSKissofLove>{{cite news|title='Kiss of love' fest near RSS office in Delhi turns slugfest|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kiss-of-love-fest-near-RSS-office-in-Delhi-turns-slugfest/articleshow/45083193.cms|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=8 November 2014}}</ref> Kolkata,<ref name=KolkataKiss>{{cite news|title='Kiss of Love' spreads to Kolkata|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Kiss-of-Love-spreads-to-Kolkata/articleshow/45056988.cms|accessdate=3 December 2014|work=The Times of India|date=6 November 2014}}</ref> and various other cities.

==See also== * Nanny state * Pink chaddi campaign * 2014 Kiss of Love protest * List of books banned in India * List of films banned in India * Vigilante attacks in Kerala

==References== {{reflist|3|colwidth=30em}}

Category:Violence against women in India Category:Conservatism in India Category:Crime in India Category:Vigilantes