Naga Babu Speaks Out Against Moral Policing, Backs Women Autonomy
Actor, producer and Andhra Pradesh MLA Konidela Naga Babu has strongly spoken out in support of women’s agency and personal freedom, asserting that moral policing has no place in a constitutional democracy. He appreciated Women Commission authority for immediately taking against actor Sivaji for his misogynistic comments on an event. Responding to recent public debates around women’s clothing and social behaviour, Naga Babu stated that a woman’s choice of attire is her personal right and cannot be dictated by social or moral gatekeepers.
“Deciding what women should wear is their right,” Naga Babu said, emphasising that decisions related to clothing fall squarely within a woman’s individual autonomy. He further remarked that attempts to impose moral standards on women through public shaming or intimidation are not only regressive but also unconstitutional.
Naga Babu underlined that moral policing directly contradicts the spirit and letter of the Indian Constitution. He pointed out that courts across the country have repeatedly held that moral policing violates fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens. These include the right to liberty, dignity, privacy, and equality enshrined under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.
“Indian moral policing is against constitution,” he said, adding that judicial pronouncements have consistently reaffirmed that personal choices—whether related to clothing, relationships, or lifestyle—are protected freedoms, not privileges subject to social approval.
His remarks come amid growing concern over incidents where women, particularly in public spaces or within the film industry, are targeted for their appearance or choices. Naga Babu criticised the tendency to single out women for scrutiny while ignoring broader issues of consent, respect, and equality. He argued that such attitudes reflect deep-rooted patriarchal thinking rather than genuine concern for social values.
The MLA also stressed that invoking “culture” or “morality” to justify harassment undermines democratic principles. According to him, the Constitution does not grant any individual or group the authority to police others’ lives, especially when such actions infringe upon personal freedoms.
Naga Babu’s statement has resonated widely, drawing praise from women’s rights advocates and sections of the public who view his comments as a necessary intervention in an ongoing social debate. Many have welcomed his clear articulation that freedom of expression and personal choice are non-negotiable rights in a modern India.
By placing constitutional values at the centre of the discussion, Naga Babu’s remarks have reinforced the idea that respect for women’s autonomy is not merely a social ideal but a legal and moral imperative.
