Madras High Court Rules Moral Policing Against Women Violates Article 21

The Madras High Court held that moral policing against women violates their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court observed that such actions lead to social ostracisation and, in extreme cases, suicide, particularly in rural areas where women are most vulnerable.

The Court called moral policing a regressive, unlawful practice amounting to gender-based violence that infringes privacy, dignity, honour, and reputation.

The Court emphasised India’s international obligations to protect women from vigilante acts. The Court directed strict monitoring of bail conditions in related cases to deter such conduct.

[Navanitha v The State]