Indian society needs a change

[u/midnightAbrocoma331]

Why is public affection still treated like some kind of crime in India?

Every time my partner and I meet, something as simple as sharing a kiss or hugging each other tightly turns into a mission. Instead of just enjoying the moment, we're constantly looking for a private corner where we won't be judged, stared at, or interrupted.

And even when we finally find a quiet spot, there's always that one random uncle who suddenly appears out of nowhere and decides it's his responsibility to monitor our lives. We're not bothering anyone, we're not hurting anyone, yet somehow our existence becomes everyone's concern.

What's frustrating is that basic affection between two consenting adults is still seen as "inappropriate" by so many people. Meanwhile, staring, moral policing, and invading other people's privacy are somehow considered acceptable.

It's 2026. Maybe it's time we stopped acting like a couple sharing a kiss is a threat to society and started teaching people to mind their own business.

Not every hug is indecent. Not every kiss is obscene. Sometimes two people just miss each other and want to be close for a moment.

That's it. Let people live.

[u/Sudhars2]

it remains fine until its innocent display of affection. the problem arises here - "obscene act in a public place" that causes "annoyance to others".

We all know for a fact we are unfortunately not civilised enough to realise what is not appropriate.

[u/Aarya_Man → u/Sudhars2]

I partially agree with you here however there exists a nuance, that being that that’s precisely the distinction Indian courts have repeatedly emphasized.

In s khushboo vs kanniammal, the Supreme Court very respectably stated that displays of affection cannot be treated as criminal merely because they offend certain sections of society. A hug, holding hands, or a brief kiss between consenting adults does not automatically become an obscene act merely because someone finds it uncomfortable or disapproves of it. The legal threshold for obscenity is much higher than personal annoyance or moral disagreement.

The entire core issue is that even innocent displays of affection trigger the masses here and they start morally policing

No couple wishes to display sexuality in public however where are people drawing the line?

Merely hugging someone or kissing someone is considered obscene? I personally find that purely illogical

And as I stated, even the courts themselves have observed that hugging or kissing in public does not count as obscenity

[u/AloneImpression5660 → u/Aarya_Man]

You are so smart adi

[u/vadapav1718 → u/Sudhars2]

"obscene act in a public place that causes annoyance to others"

Bruh even walking together feels like a crime because of uncles and aunties. I can agree that a line should be drawn before affection turns obscene, but the problem arises when even normal things like holding hands and hugging are treated like obscene acts.