Justice Anand Venkatesh of the Madurai Bench of the High Court has stated that it is natural for young people in love to hug and kiss, and that such acts should not be criminalized.
This statement came during the hearing of a petition filed by a 23-year-old man from Thoothukudi. The petitioner sought the dismissal of a case registered against him by the Srivaikundam Women Police Station in Thoothukudi district in 2022.
During the court proceedings, the government lawyer argued the following:
The petitioner and a 19-year-old woman were in a romantic relationship. One night, they met in private, and the petitioner hugged and kissed the woman. She later informed her parents about the incident.
Subsequently, the woman insisted that the petitioner marry her, but he refused. Following her complaint, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Justice Anand Venkatesh, after reviewing the arguments, remarked that expressing affection through hugging and kissing is natural for young couples and should not be treated as a criminal act. The court’s perspective highlights the importance of distinguishing between consensual actions and criminal behavior.