Sat Jun 21 07:01:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

An article in The Hindu details the ongoing issue of moral policing in Chennai, India, targeting young couples and individuals of different genders interacting in public spaces. It highlights instances of harassment by law enforcement and security personnel, often based on subjective interpretations of “appropriate” behavior. While police officials deny official policies of such harassment, anecdotes and testimonies reveal a pattern of intimidation, blackmail, and privacy violations. Legal experts emphasize citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and personal liberty, encouraging them to assert these rights against unlawful intervention. The article also features opinions questioning the cultural biases underlying moral policing and advocating for more open-minded acceptance of public displays of affection between consenting adults.

**News Article:**

**Moral Policing Still Rampant in Chennai, Despite Legal Protections**

**Chennai, June 21, 2025** – Despite constitutional protections and legal precedents safeguarding personal liberties, moral policing remains a significant problem in Chennai, according to a new report by The Hindu. The article details numerous accounts of young couples and individuals being harassed and intimidated by both law enforcement officers and private security personnel for perceived violations of “decency” in public spaces.

The issue gained renewed attention following an incident in February when advocate Thilagavati confronted a patrolman for harassing her while she was with a male friend. Her online posting of the incident sparked widespread debate about moral policing in Chennai.

Numerous individuals have reported similar experiences, ranging from verbal harassment to blackmail and assault. One woman, identified as Thamizh, recounted being repeatedly targeted by police while spending time with her boyfriend in a public park.

While a senior police officer claimed that officers are only instructed to intervene in cases of genuine safety concerns, the article highlights the subjective and arbitrary nature of many interventions. Security personnel in Thiru. Vi. Ka. Park, for example, admitted to actively discouraging any form of intimacy, even holding hands, under instructions from the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).

Legal experts emphasize that citizens have the right to assert their freedom of expression and personal liberty under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. Advocate Sonam Chandwani advises those facing moral policing to demand legal justification for intervention, refuse arbitrary demands, and record interactions as evidence.

The article also includes perspectives questioning the cultural biases that fuel moral policing. Advocate Sudha Ramallingam argues that “Healthy interaction between the opposite sexes should always be encouraged,” and criticizes the imposition of narrow definitions of morality.

The Hindu’s report underscores the need for greater awareness of citizens’ rights and increased accountability for law enforcement and security personnel in order to combat the ongoing issue of moral policing in Chennai.

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