Something unusual happened this month in Mumbai that has been the topic of animated discussion and protests by many liberal progressive people all over.
On 8 August 2015, around 40 consenting adults who had checked into hotels in Madh Island and the Aksa beach area in Mumbai, were dragged out of their rooms and taken to jail by the Malvani police.
Their crime? They were alone in a room, possibly having sex. After hours of questioning, a Rs. 1200 fine and even calls to their parents [in case of minors or singles], they were finally allowed to go home. But the damage was done. Their takeaway was lifelong humiliation.
Echoing most of their thoughts about this raid that poses as a threat to basic privacy and rights, Bollywood actor Abhay Deol wrote a long message on his Facebook page, concerned about the archaic mentality we have about sex.
It seems that two consenting adults can do pretty much what they please in private and it is not wrong. Even the Supreme court seems to have said the same.
Right?
The DCP of Borivali, Dr. Sudhakar Poojari had a question to the people who were baying for the blood of the police officers who conducted the raids: You say that it is okay for two consenting adults to book a hotel room and do what they want? How would you feel if it was your spouse who was one of them?
Silence!
Now how does that feel?
He was also upset about the fact that more people did not come out openly in support of the police action against such immoral behaviour.
How do we really respond to such situations?
This reminds me of the Master’s amazing response when a woman caught in adultery was brought to him by the fundamental Jews.
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
(Joh 8:3-11 ESV)
Jesus recognised sin, yet could forgive the repentant sinner. Can you?
Love, power and a sound mind 