Is kissing in public obscene? The debate seems all set to intensify in Bengaluru city despite the uncertainty over the event itself after the police’s denial of permission.
The response on social networking sites is mixed. While one section has hailed the decision, the other has criticised the police. However, the debate is yet to gain momentum. While the twitterati posted pictures of a few top political leaders being kissed in public, the reaction was muted.
The event was mired in controversy due to opposition from politicians cutting across party lines and also Karnataka State Women's Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa. The kin of Puttanna Chetty, who donated the Town Hall where the event is scheduled to be held, had also registered their discontent.
The first post on the Facebook page of the event after the police announced that they had denied permission was “Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.” #Kissoflovebangalore. This has led to suspense over the future course of action of the organisers.
As for the other cities where the event was held, organisers in New Delhi had not asked for prior permission from the police; in Kochi (Kerala), they were denied permission, but went ahead nevertheless. Some organisers alleged that the police had succumbed to pressure from right-wing groups.
Mr. Reddi, during a press conference, said that the decision to deny permission was taken as the event had resulted in serious law and order problems in Kochi and New Delhi. However, an organiser of the New Delhi event alleged, “The police behaved as though they were taking the side of the protestors. We were there only to kiss. Clearly, we could not be responsible for law and order problems.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Sandeep Patil said that whoever violates the police decision would be dealt with seriously.
Mutalik served notice
Police Commissioner M.N. Reddi said that Pramod Mutalik, chief of Srirama Sene who had threatened to disrupt the event, has been served a notice seeking an explanation for his statement. “He has been served notice. He has submitted a bond before the executive magistrate, tahsildar, declaring not to venture out to create any trouble in the name of Kiss of Love,” he said.
