The invocation of Section 119 (a) of the Kerala Police Act 2011 against a 24-year-old man found engaged in conversation with his girlfriend in a public park by the district police has evoked widespread condemnation.
Women’s safety
Ironically, the section aims at ensuring a safe environment for women and can be invoked against those who make sexual gestures and engage in acts denigrating the dignity of women.
It also ensures punishment for those who take photographs or record video in a way affecting privacy of women. The punishment includes imprisonment up to three years and a fine of Rs.10,000.
Facebook post
It was three days ago a Facebook post by film editor Prasad from Mannarkkad detailing the sufferings he had experienced from the district police went viral. Several civil society movements and individuals have now extended support to Mr. Prasad in fighting the misuse of power by the police.
“Certain police officials with a criminal bent of mind are causing disrepute to the entire police force,” says P.S. Panicker of Janajagratha, a human rights organisation here.
“What was the message the police were trying to convey to society by slapping such a case on the youth,” asks rights activist Arumughan Pathichira.
It was on February 24 evening when Prasad and his girlfriend were sitting in the Vadika gardens adjacent to the Palakkad Fort a couple of policemen swooped on them. They wanted to know their relationship status as well as what they were doing there. Though the girl was allowed to go home without revealing her personal details, Mr. Prasad was forcibly taken to the nearest police station. He was allowed to leave the station after a few hours.
On March 23, Mr. Prasad received a summons directing him to appear before the District Magistrate in April second week in connection with the incident. The summons also said he was booked under Section 119 (a) of the Kerala Police Act 2011.
Section 119 (a) of Police Act invoked against man found talking with his girlfriend in a park.
