Latest news with #Chennaites
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Moral policing shadows couples in Chennai
Does the sight of young lovers or people of different genders hanging out together irk Chennaites? This February, advocate Thilagavati confronted a patrolman who harassed her for being with a male friend at night on Patinapakkam beach. She had recorded the encounter and uploaded it on social media. This led to much discussion on the topic of moral policing in public places in the city. Uproar over Ms. Thilagavati's experience had led to the officer being transferred. But the woman later faced cyberbullying about which she complained to the cyber police. 'More than men, women are targeted by law enforcement officers in such circumstances,' she says. Courts not supposed to do moral policing: Supreme Court sets aside HC order against Tehseen Poonawalla Many young men and women complain of similar experiences of being victims of the moral police brigade, that have left them traumatised. 'Couples, especially teenagers, are easily targetted. They are then threatened and blackmailed into bribing or assault,' says Ms. Thilagavati. Out with her boyfriend in Anna Nagar Tower Park, Thamizh, a woman in her twenties, says that they too were picked on by policemen. 'It happens all the time. Sometimes they even call up our parents,' she tells The Hindu. Even as she was speaking, a policewoman stared down at the young couple and asked them to 'move ahead.' They silently obeyed. UCC Bill 'introduces moral policing, criminalises autonomy' 'It is not good for young people if their future spouses see them being with another man/woman. Girls should carefully choose good boys that their parents approve of. They can do these intimate things after marriage also. Why now? That too in public,' reasons Meena (name changed), head constable at a police station in Anna Nagar. Meanwhile, a senior police officer of the Greater Chennai Police says, 'Policemen are not instructed to confront couples, unless a safety issue arises. They have the right to be together in public.' The 8.8 acre Thiru. Vi. Ka. Park in Shenoy Nagar has 26 security personnel and reportedly no CCTV camera inside. It is known for its watchful guards who spring into action when men and women sitting together even begin to think of holding hands. They whistle, glare down and show hand gestures before directly confronting the couples. 'We have instructions from the CMRL to interfere when couples sit too close together,' says Surya, a guard there. Sartorial preferences of women should not be subjected to moral policing: HC 'The Thiru. Vi. Ka. Park is designed in a way that there are no hideouts for couples to do inappropriate things. Every corner has high visibility and is covered by guards, who have been told to prevent intimacy between couples,' confirms a CMRL official, on the condition of anonymity. Those facing moral policing can assert their rights under Articles 19 (freedom of expression) and 21 (right to life and liberty). The Supreme Court and Madras High Court have upheld personal liberty under Article 21, affirming adults' rights to consensual relationships and privacy in public spaces. 'They can demand specific legal grounds for intervention, refuse arbitrary demands, and record interactions as evidence. Unlawful detention can be challenged with a habeas corpus and complaints can be filed with the Human Rights Commission or Women's Commission,' says Sonam Chandwani, an advocate. 'Healthy interaction between the opposite sexes should always be encouraged,' says advocate and human rights activist Sudha Ramallingam. 'In Western cultures, couples openly engage in public display of affection and this is not looked upon as vulgar. Why should it be vulgar here? I don't understand what morality or decency people are trying to uphold and impose by moral policing,' she adds.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
How Chennai copes with the summer heat
As Chennai bakes under an unforgiving sun, residents are adapting through a blend of time-tested traditions and modern responses — staying hydrated, tweaking food habits, dressing for comfort, cutting their hair short, and heading for the hills. Leading the list of coping strategies is a return to traditional summer foods. "Chennai is extremely humid, and residents are instinctively drinking more fluids," says Shiny Surendran, sports nutritionist and founder of the Art of Eating clinic. "Juices, cucumber and watermelon, pazhaya kanji, and koozhu are popular even among the upper-income groups now. Traditional coolers such as nannari sarbath, chia and sabja seeds, and almond resin are back in vogue — not just for hydration but also as natural weight-loss fillers." The hospitality industry is also embracing the seasonal shift. Vikram Cotah, chairperson of the tourism panel at CII southern regional council, says hotel buffets are undergoing a summer makeover. "We've taken a slight detour from the usual spicy fare. Raagi koozhu, curd rice, and lime-mint coolers are in. Seasonal fruit salads are replacing deep-fried starters — it's a conscious move towards comfort and wellness." Chennaites are also dressing for the weather. "Now, many — especially middle-aged men and women — are opting for cotton and linen shirts, T-shirts and pants," says Hitesh, a senior stylist in the city. "Light fabrics, lighter colours, and close-cropped hair are in." With schools shut, summer camps and swimming classes, are seeing a surge in participation. "Everyone wants in," says T. Chandrasekaran, secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Aquatic Association. "Children above six are signing up in large numbers, and even those under six are eager to join. While we don't recommend formal training for that age, public interest is surging." State-run SDAT pools at Velachery, Shenoy Nagar, and Anna Nagar are witnessing record footfalls. "These camps aren't just recreational," said Chandrasekaran. "They're helping us spot young talent that can feed into the larger sports ecosystem." Private pools are also seeing high demand, as families embrace swimming not just as a skill, but as a healthy summer alternative to gadget time. Among adults, most runners prefer to start their runs early in the morning to avoid peak heat and harsh sunlight. "There are some who run or cycle at night too," said Raja, a city-based running coach. Meanwhile, the govt is moving to protect outdoor workers from the worst of the heat. Pon Kumar, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare Board (TNCWWB), said he has requested chief minister M K Stalin to reiterate the summer work timing advisory announced last year. "Last year, the chief minister directed that construction work be halted at 11 am and resumed only after 3 pm to protect workers from heatstroke. We expect a similar announcement this year," said Ponkumar. "We've also requested that construction sites ensure hydration stations, provide nutritious meals, and allocate shaded resting areas." The police department has also adopted its summer protocol to protect personnel who have to be out in the sun. In March, city police commissioner A Arun distributed pith hats to help officers shield themselves from the sun. "We've also started providing buttermilk twice a day and distributed sunglasses to field staff," said a senior police officer. And the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) plans to install fans in 3,000 buses and has set up buttermilk stalls at depots for crew.
