Target: The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India

The Problem:

In India, Public Display of Affection (PDA) is not explicitly illegal, yet couples are routinely harassed, extorted, and shamed by both law enforcement and self-appointed "moral police". These actions are often justified using Section 294 of the IPC (now Section 296 of the BNS), which criminalises "obscene acts" that cause "annoyance".

The lack of a legal definition for "obscenity" has created a loophole where simple, non-obscene acts of affection—like hugging or holding hands—are treated as crimes.

Why This Matters:

I recently faced a situation that left me deeply troubled—an experience I don't wish to detail, but one that highlighted the "broken mindset" still prevalent in parts of our society. No one should feel unsafe or like a criminal for expressing simple affection for their partner. This harassment violates our Constitutional Right to Freedom of Expression (Article 19) and personal autonomy.

The Request (Call to Action):

We urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to:

Issue Central Guidelines: Provide clear SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for police across all states, explicitly stating that simple acts like hugging, holding hands, or consensual kissing are not obscene under Section 296 of the BNS.

Prevent Misuse: Ensure that "public annoyance" must be objectively proven by a third party, not just claimed by an officer, before an FIR is registered.

Sensitisation Training: Implement mandatory sensitisation for local police forces to stop the targeting of couples in public spaces like parks, malls, and airports

India is one of the best and most vibrant countries in the world, but our laws and mindsets shouldn’t feel stuck in a past that punishes love.

I’m not the first person to face this harassment, and I won’t be the last unless we speak up together.

If you’ve ever felt judged, harassed, or made to feel like a criminal just for being with someone you care about, please sign and share this petition. Let’s show the authorities that it’s time for a change in mindset. We deserve an India where we are free to express our happiness without fear of 'broken' mentalities. Every signature is a step toward making our public spaces safer for everyone. Thank you for your support.