V-Day woes: Pune police take up moral policing

Pune, Feb 3: As expected more groups join the moral police bandwagon ahead of Valentine's Day. After Karanataka's Sri Rama Sena issued an ultimatum to the state against indulging in or encouraging the V-day celebrations, Pune Police have joined the protest against the day of love.

The Pune police, which has decided to leave the other moral policing brigade jobless in the most busiest time of the year, assert that their seven-point guideline are just re-enforcement of existing laws.

"We are merely enforcing the law, not moral policing. People who flout guidelines will face action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 144 of the CRPC, 1973," Rajendra Sonawane, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) said.

The curbs include prohibition on assembly of people, making obscene gestures, music in schools and colleges and much more. They apply to privately-owned places as well.

In the circular released on Monday, Feb 2, the police justifies the move saying that since there is a possibility of untoward incidents before or during the Valentine"s Day celebrations, the police was forced to take this step to prevent law and order problems.

The guideline will be effective between the midnight of Feb 3 and 6 pm on Feb 15.

Starting Wednesday, Feb 4, the people found indulging in obscene and objectionable activities in public or private places during the next 13 days will be punished.

But, isn't it the responsibility of the police to protect the people's freedom of choice rather than putting curbs on it in the name of law and order?

OneIndia News