Live in Relationship –Taking India towards disaster

by N.S.Venkataraman

(June 11, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) The citizens in India expect that the judiciary would constantly guide the country in adhering to the constitutional provisions and interpret the law from time to time in a fitting manner and check any violations if and when it would happen .

However, in recent time ,we have found that some of the pronouncements and judgments of Indian judiciary have created controversy in the country. The pronouncements become controversial, particularly when they have not been in relation to interpretation of law but amount to questioning the basic ethos and traditional practices and cultural values that have been cherished over the last several centuries in India. The recent judgment of the Apex court ruling that live in relationship and pre marital sex could not be construed as an offence has sent shock waves in India.

There is already enough evidence that personal morals are taking a beating amongst the people in various age groups and economic level. With liquor consumption increasing at alarming rate and life style of western countries being increasingly followed by the youth, the basic family oriented traditions are being gradually uprooted .

Divorces, multiple marriages do not anymore cause surprise. Reports often appear in the press about pre marital relationship. These developments cause enormous damage to the fibre and fabric of the society, pushing the future of the country to a chaotic state.

Unwed mothers should be a matter of shame for any society but is now becoming common in India. The judgment of the Apex court approving live in relationship would only further encourage such negative trend and happenings.

The Apex Court ruling that live in relationship and pre-marital sex could not be construed as an offence anymore, coming at a time when the joint family system and broken marriages are on the rise, is a bolt from the blue. When the modern-day youth feel proud aping everything Western and look down on anything traditional, the observation of the judges giving blanket permission without understanding the nuances of Indian age-old traditions and practices comes as a rude shock to millions who still believe and uphold the sanctity of marriage .

Obviously, one of the reasons for such negative deplorable developments is that the people occupying top positions in political parties, government, in business establishments are no more role models for the youth. Media has become commercially oriented, showing vulgar shows and news to increase their viewership. Even the behaviour of the religious heads often cause concern. Due to their immoral and unethical behaviour, we find that common man particularly, the youth tend to think that moral standards are not essential requirements for civilized living. This is a tragedy.

One wonders what would happen to societal norms and practices followed since centuries?

In such circumstances, judiciary giving verdict approving live in relationship would be the last nail in the coffin of Indian culture and civilization that have been developed over centuries influenced by the thoughts of great saints like Adi Sankara, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and others.