Answer:

Moral policing involves individuals or groups imposing their own moral standards, often infringing on personal freedoms. In India, vigilante groups target behaviours like clothing choices, food practices etc, claiming to uphold traditional values. This creates significant tension between societal norms and individual rights, raising critical questions about personal autonomy and constitutional freedoms. 

Conflict Between Traditional Values and Individual Freedoms

• Suppression of Personal Autonomy: Moral policing restricts individual autonomy by controlling personal choices, such as dress, behaviour, and relationships, as vigilante groups impose societal norms while disregarding personal freedom.
  For instance: On Valentine’s Day, couples in cities are harassed for celebrating a ‘Western’ concept, reflecting the intrusion of moral policing on personal autonomy.
• Infringement on Freedom of Expression: Moral policing frequently suppresses freedom of expression, particularly in artistic and public domains, by censoring content that challenges cultural sensibilities.
  For example: In 2021, multiple OTT platforms faced backlash and censorship over shows like Tandav, criticised for offending religious sentiments.
• Reinforcement of Patriarchal Norms: It disproportionately targets women, dictating what they should wear and how they should behave in public, reinforcing patriarchal ideologies.
  For instance: Women are often publicly shamed for wearing jeans and “Western attire,” reinforcing outdated gender norms.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: Moral policing often violates fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, like the rights to privacy and personal liberty.
  For instance: In 2020, a couple in Kerala, India, was assaulted by a vigilante group simply for being in an interfaith relationship, in violation of their right to privacy under Article 21.
• Undermining Legal Authority: Vigilante groups undermine law enforcement by taking matters into their own hands, sidelining the rule of law.
• Cultural Preservation vs. Individual Freedom: Proponents of moral policing claim to preserve Indian culture by restricting practices seen as “Western,” often overlooking the pluralistic nature of Indian society.
  For instance: In 2023, a regional media channel in Chennai faced backlash on social media for allegedly moral policing women who were seen exiting a pub in the city.
• Impact on Public Spaces: Moral policing limits public interactions, particularly between genders, under the guise of preserving moral standards, thus restricting the freedom to socialize.
  For instance: In 2023, several mixed-gender groups were harassed by vigilantes for merely conversing in parks, asserting the dominance of traditional moral codes.

Impact of Moral Policing

• Erosion of Civil Liberties: Moral policing creates a culture of fear where citizens hesitate to express themselves, leading to self-censorship.
  For instance: Following harassment of couples on Valentine’s Day 2023, many avoided public displays of affection due to fear of being targeted.
• Promotion of Patriarchal Values: Women are disproportionately targeted, reinforcing patriarchal norms and limiting their freedom to make personal choices.
  For instance: In 2022, incidents in Delhi showed how women’s freedom of movement and attire were curtailed in public spaces.
• Social Fragmentation: It heightens communal tensions, particularly when groups target specific communities or behaviours, dividing society along cultural lines.
  For example: Interfaith couples faced moral policing and public shaming in recent times, increasing tensions between communities.
• Undermining Rule of Law: Vigilantes act on specific moral codes, disrupting legal processes and creating a sense of lawlessness.
• Stagnation of Social Progress: Moral policing impedes progress toward gender equality and acceptance of diverse lifestyles.
  For example: LGBTQ+ rights movements often face opposition from moral policing groups during pride parades, slowing the progress of the movement.
• Impact on Tourism and Economy: Repeated instances of moral policing in tourist hotspots have hurt tourism and local businesses, as visitors feel unsafe or restricted.
  For example: In Goa, moral policing groups in 2022 disrupted beach parties, leading to a temporary decline in tourism revenues.
• Youth Alienation: The imposition of traditional values often alienates the youth, who seek personal freedoms and expression, driving a wedge between generations.
  

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Moral policing highlights the clash between traditional values and individual freedoms, often stifling personal liberty and social progress. To advance as a society, India must balance its cultural heritage with the constitutional rights of freedom and autonomy, ensuring tolerance and respect for diversity.

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