Law and ethics

Sir, - The Allahabad High Court recently gave a judgment on the application filed by Ms. Payal Sharma, who was seeking a judgment on whether she has a ``right to live with a male whom she likes but without marriage.'' The High Court Bench, consisting of Mr. Justice M. Bhatju and Mr. Justice R. B. Mishra, said ``there is a difference between law and ethic.

The applicant is adult and has full freedom to live anywhere and with anybody. The society may treat this as immoral, but the law would say that there is nothing illegal in this.''

Normally law follows ethic. As a matter of fact, laws are enacted to give formal recognition to ethics which can then be enforced in the society. But in this particular case, law has overtaken ethic, and is giving a right, especially to a woman, which would be welcomed by women in advanced societies where they are free and empowered. Many of them are career women and may not like to be tied down in marital bonds.

But in our society at least, a majority of women are not so free and empowered to the same extent and it is likely that unscrupulous men may take advantage of the legal pronouncement. I appeal to all thinking men and women to have a public debate on this issue.

B. G. Deshmukh,

Mumbai

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Opinion
Previous : Neglected North-East