Again the men structured society starts a discussion on the recent judgement which strikes down the section 497 which book the man under criminal case for extramarital relations.
On the offset, it seems like a hasty judgement which may put the marital chastity in jeopardy and the custodians of ideal society sheds crocodile tears that the judgement may lead to increase in the extramarital affairs because of the very reason that the man indulges in such acts can't be punished under the law.
But if we see what section 497 deals with it punishes a man having an extramarital affair with a married woman but the same section can't apply to a man having extramarital affair with an unmarried woman.
The Ram avatars of this society may tell what is the big fuss. A relation with married women destroys that family whereas it's not the case in an unmarried woman.
But if we just rewind back and see how women get treated in the society, we can see the patriarchal notion behind that concern. Here the women once get married she becomes a property of her husband and a relationship with her becomes an offence as you are mingling with somebody property. What a regressive thought being in practice under the cover of a marriage.
The Supreme Court very rightly points out this inequality and passed a historic judgement which is one step forward towards gender equality.
But in the pretext of respect to women, an even more regressive cultural identity in the name of chastity has been forcefully pierced in the minds of women as if chastity is a God-given gift for them. she only responsible for keeping the pride of her parents, husband, society and even nation. Any deviation by her in that so-called chastity puts all the above to shame. Whereas no such chastity being imposed on a man.
So when talking about chastity, the quotes of the godfather of women liberation PERIYAR views come to the mind. " If a woman really wants freedom, the concept of chastity that deals a different justice to each sex must be destroyed and an equal, self-governing concept of chastity for both sexes must come into place.
Let's hope that the recent judgements which appropriate women dignity and freedom bring in a constructive change in the society which moves towards a more inclusive and an equal society.
On the offset, it seems like a hasty judgement which may put the marital chastity in jeopardy and the custodians of ideal society sheds crocodile tears that the judgement may lead to increase in the extramarital affairs because of the very reason that the man indulges in such acts can't be punished under the law.
But if we see what section 497 deals with it punishes a man having an extramarital affair with a married woman but the same section can't apply to a man having extramarital affair with an unmarried woman.
The Ram avatars of this society may tell what is the big fuss. A relation with married women destroys that family whereas it's not the case in an unmarried woman.
But if we just rewind back and see how women get treated in the society, we can see the patriarchal notion behind that concern. Here the women once get married she becomes a property of her husband and a relationship with her becomes an offence as you are mingling with somebody property. What a regressive thought being in practice under the cover of a marriage.
The Supreme Court very rightly points out this inequality and passed a historic judgement which is one step forward towards gender equality.
But in the pretext of respect to women, an even more regressive cultural identity in the name of chastity has been forcefully pierced in the minds of women as if chastity is a God-given gift for them. she only responsible for keeping the pride of her parents, husband, society and even nation. Any deviation by her in that so-called chastity puts all the above to shame. Whereas no such chastity being imposed on a man.
So when talking about chastity, the quotes of the godfather of women liberation PERIYAR views come to the mind. " If a woman really wants freedom, the concept of chastity that deals a different justice to each sex must be destroyed and an equal, self-governing concept of chastity for both sexes must come into place.
Let's hope that the recent judgements which appropriate women dignity and freedom bring in a constructive change in the society which moves towards a more inclusive and an equal society.
