When the whole world is progressing in terms of lifestyles, social patterns, ways of expressing love and affection, technology etc... some nations are taking retrograde steps. Couple of years ago when I was in India there was a flurry of activity in the country’s college and university campuses. The authorities were trying to enforce dress code for students, especially girl students. Naturally numerous feminist organizations protested against the diktats and reasoned that women should be free to wear or “not wear” what they want.

Anyway I guess the Indian university administrations and students have made peace I suppose. But this news item I read on CNN shocked me completely. According to a Reuters report authorities in Moscow, Russia are considering imposing a ban on Kissing on the city’s underground rail system. If couples are caught Kissing, then they could be fined or even jailed. And this ban could extend even to married couples and also to plain hugging. Anyone and everyone caught hugging or kissing in public places would be fined and/ or jailed under the new set of regulations.

Well... well... well... I really don’t know what to say. When Indian newspapers and feminist organizations fought for liberating women from the clutches of dress codes, I thought it was a necessary move and that women should be allowed the freedom to choose their attire. But now Russia, the seat of global revolution in communism and socialism is passing laws to constrict its citizens expressions of affection.

I can only say that this is the beginning of Talibanisation of Russia. I wonder if the nation is slowly inching towards a Sharia type situation. First kissing and hugging ban, then there will be restriction on holding hands, then on women and men travelling and working in the same room and so on... and before we realize it would be back in the Medieval era.