Is kissing in public in India a criminal offence?

Asked 03-Aug-2022
Updated 09-Apr-2023
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Is kissing in public in India a criminal offence?         


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In India, there is no specific law that criminalizes kissing in public. However, there are certain social and cultural norms that govern public behavior, and kissing in public may be viewed as a breach of these norms. Additionally, there are laws that criminalize "obscene" or "indecent" behavior in public places, and kissing may be considered as falling under this category.Is kissing in public in India a criminal offence

Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code criminalizes obscene acts or words in public places. However, the law is vague and subjective, and it is up to the discretion of law enforcement officials and judges to determine what constitutes an obscene act. Kissing in public may or may not be considered an obscene act, depending on the circumstances.

In recent years, there have been a few incidents where couples were detained or fined for kissing in public. In 2014, a couple in Mumbai was detained for kissing in a public park, and in 2018, a couple in Delhi was fined for kissing in a metro station. These incidents have sparked debates about the legality of public displays of affection in India.

It is worth noting that attitudes towards public displays of affection vary widely across different regions and communities in India. In some parts of the country, holding hands or hugging in public may be considered acceptable, while in other parts, even these acts may be frowned upon.

Overall, while there is no law that specifically criminalizes kissing in public in India, it is advisable to exercise discretion and respect local customs and norms. Public displays of affection should be approached with caution, and it is important to be mindful of one's surroundings and the sensibilities of others.

In conclusion, kissing in public is not a criminal offense in India. However, there are social and cultural norms to be aware of, and the vague and subjective nature of the law may lead to incidents where couples are detained or fined for engaging in public displays of affection. It is important to exercise secrecy.

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