Couples who hang out together in public parks are often faced with unwelcome stares and downright moral policing. Not just couples, but previous incidents have shown how guys playing football or women working out in public parks have been harassed in the past.
Speaking of which, comedian and writer Varun Grover recently shared a picture on Twitter showing how a public park in Hyderabad prohibited unmarried couples inside the park. The banners were put up in Indira Park.
Not just unmarried couples, “sports items” including football, volleyball, etc. were also not allowed.
Why not make YET ANOTHER app to verify married couples wanting to visit the park. Can call it O-WIN.
(*Orthodoxy-Win) pic.twitter.com/7kbi1oeELE
— वरुण 🇮🇳 (@varungrover) August 26, 2021
Several people slammed the park authorities for putting up such regressive and unrealistic signs. They even questioned if they needed to roam around with their marriage certificates.
Ab Park jaane k liye bhi shaadi krni pdegi 😭😭😭
— Mare’s Nest 🏴☠️🔗 (@SecularSiddha) August 26, 2021
You can come to the park and give a hate speech if you wish..but unmarried couples sitting in the park is a BIG No.
Anyone found guilty will be dealt with vigilante groups and not by law.
— Shantanu Katre (@Shantanu_katre) August 26, 2021
Anybody want to get marriage certificate printed on their T shirt ?
— kissan (@Siraj80559586) August 26, 2021
Alag alag jaao, under mil jaao pic.twitter.com/i1z3fiGEVw
— Babu IPL (@Babu_Loolu) August 26, 2021
Proud achievement of those forever alone single uncles who are now member of ‘Park Management’.
— Vipin Kumar (@vipinalpha89) August 26, 2021
To ab marriage certificate leke ghumna padega kya sirf park me jane ke liye? Lol. Just a small question- Ye aaj kal ke 16-17 saal ke couples jo ek dusre ko 'Hubby' 'Wifey' bulate firte hai before marriage wo allowed hai kya? https://t.co/2n5HySujHB
— Namita Tambe (@numb_eeta) August 26, 2021
Single logon ki koi izzat hi nahi 😏 https://t.co/aDtem9BY4c
— That Sarcastic Smile 😊 (@Zainab_0216) August 26, 2021
Park mein ghoomne ke liye shaadi kar le? What kind of incentive program is this? https://t.co/CCdHsdnT2O
— Madhur Nigam (@madhur8594) August 26, 2021
New low & new level of moral policing by Indira Park Mgmt in Hyd! A public park is an open space for all law abiding citizens, including consenting couples across genders. How can 'marriage' be criteria for entry! @GHMCOnline & @GadwalvijayaTRS this is clearly unconstitutional. pic.twitter.com/4rNWo2RHZE
— Meera Sanghamitra (@meeracomposes) August 26, 2021
Also, this is clearly an anti-working class move. Most couples who frequent Indira Park belong to lower, middle income categories. They cannot access hi-fi pubs & other costly spaces. Working class young couples have every right to access these parks. End Ridiculous Restrictions.
— Meera Sanghamitra (@meeracomposes) August 26, 2021
Following the backlash, the banners were removed by the authorities who then went on to ask the local police to keep an eye on regular visits.
Banners removed by DD UBD. Inconvenience regretted. Informed local police to keep vigil by regular visits to maintain serene atmosphere in the park . pic.twitter.com/vqNBAdX97F
— Zonal Commissioner, Secunderabad Zone, GHMC (@ZC_Secunderabad) August 26, 2021
What do you think of this incident? Tell us!