Under fire, GHMC removes `unmarried couples not allowed' banner from Indira Park

GHMC also removed the banner prohibiting unmarried couples from entering the park.

This follows social media uproar over moral policing by GHMC.

Indira park management in Hyderabad had put up a banner outside the gate. "Unmarried couples are not allowed inside the park," reads the banner.

"New low & new level of moral policing by Indira Park Mgmt in Hyd! A public park is an open space for all law-abiding citizens, including consenting couples across genders. How can 'marriage' be a criterion for entry! @GHMCOnline & @GadwalvijayaTRS this is clearly unconstitutional," tweeted Meera Sanghamitra, activist and the convener of the National Alliance of People's Movement.

She termed it as an anti-working class move. "Also, this is clearly an anti-working class move. Most couples who frequent Indira Park belong to lower and middle-income groups. They cannot access hi-fi pubs & other costly spaces. Working-class and young couples have every right to access these parks. End Ridiculous Restrictions," said Meera.

Maqsood Mohiuddin, Deputy Director, Urban Biodiversity Wing, GHMC, told NewsMeter that the park management has put up the banner after some couples were caught indulging in indecent activity.

"Indira park is open till 8 pm. Taking undue advantage, some of the couples indulge in the indecent activity. Some of them were caught red-handed. This is causing huge inconvenience to our regular visitors. Families, children, and senior citizens are not comfortable," he said

After the backlash from the netizens, the GHMC removed the banner. "Certain organizations and intellectuals strongly objected to this and compelled us to review the decision. The banner has been removed and people can enjoy visiting the park," he said.

Maqsood Mohiuddin noted that since the banner has been removed, people must maintain decency without causing inconvenience to other visitors.

"Senior officer told me that the banner was not a good idea. Let the security deal with any indecent activity. This is a suggestion. Couples should follow decency," he said.