Quoting Janki's post..
So, Sexual Harassment, as defined by law does not only include the physical act. It also includes the intention of pursuing someone for a relationship, marriage etc without intending to "rape" (a woman, by law, because men are not seen as victims of sexual harassment in India). But one can't say that because someone touched unintentionally but is being stubborn about stalking/being in physical proximity to the person despite their refusal it is not sexual harassment.
Groping and touching inappropriately obviously constitute sexual harassment, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Even someone (a man) without having any intentions of being in a relationship (with a woman) just touching the person in an act of anger, in a physical fight etc is treated as "sexual harassment". Recently, there was a case where a male Minister of a state touched the collar of a woman doctor while arguing with her and he was accused of sexual harassment.
Here is what constitutes as "SEXUAL HARASSMENT" by law:
a) Physical contact and advances (so, you can’t touch someone inappropriately and think I am innocent because, you know, I didn’t rape)
b) A demand or request for sexual favours
c) Making sexually coloured remarks (so, no sexist jokes or misogynist humour)
d) Showing po-graphy
e) Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
Laws under Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Section 354 (A): A man committing any physical contact, advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures; or demanding or requesting sexual favours; or showing po-graphy against the will of a woman; or making sexually coloured remarks, shall be guilty of the offence of sexual harassment.
Section 209: Obscene acts in any public place, singing obscene songs to the annoyance of others (Punishment: Imprisonment for a term of up to 3 months or fine, or both).
Section 509: Uttering any word or making any gesture intended to insult the modesty of a woman. (Words like: item, mast, maal etc..)
So unfortunately men are not seen as victims because law thinks "women cannot rape"... the law is written assuming that the victim is a woman and the perpetrator is a man. But, if you apply these parameters in principle, then questions like:
"Meri life me tumhari kya jagah hai?"
"Sai mein aisa kya hai jo mujh me nahi hai?"
"Main tumhare bedroom mein dinner kyun nahi khaa sakti?"
"Tum apni biwi ke saath apne bedroom mein special moment mana sakte ho... toh ye moment special kyun nahi ho sakta?"
"Tumhari biwi hoti toh usse bhi jaane ko kehte?"
"Hamare guzre huye rishtey ko mat jhootlaao"
actually, amount to sexual harassment because they are pushing the person into a relationship he/she doesn't want -- as per the definitions laid down in law and not because we are replused by the woman in the story.
Touching Virat while he was asleep when he doesnt like her touch is wrong and physical harassment.
Edited by asmi_joya - 5 years ago