Staring at women for over 14 seconds illegal, Indian official says

Kerala excise commissioner says a case can be filed against men who stare at women for more than 14 seconds

An Indian official is being ridiculed on social media after he made a controversial statement claiming it was illegal for a man to stare at a woman for more than 14 seconds.

Surprisingly, no such law exists in the country but excise commissioner in the southern Indian state of Kerala Rishiraj Singh said such a stare could land a man in prison. "A case can be filed against men who stare at women for more than 14 seconds," Singh said in Kochi on Saturday. The video of his statement has gone viral in the state, sparking humorous reactions and memes on social media websites.



While many ridiculed the idea of sending to jail just because they happen to stare at women, some thought it was a valid point raised by the official especially in wake of the rising incidents of violence against women in India.

https://twitter.com/Gautham_rdy/status/765460646007889920

If I check out a girl for 7s turn away and then look back for another 7s is that punishable offence as well?#14seconds

— Sharad Kaplingad (@TalaThirinjavan) August 16, 2016

I mean, why was it not 13.5 or 14.5 or even 3.142? #14secondrule

— Chandran (@Olgort) August 17, 2016

#14secondrule provides for 2 much time In 14 secs a person will have already done what he wants to do to a women, mentally 😂

— TheUndecidedEngineer (@vishalsrswt) August 16, 2016

Pick-up line in kerala right now,
"Wanna stare at you more than 14seconds,will you marry me ?"

— blank (@the_jok_er) August 15, 2016

https://twitter.com/amiyachakrabor8/status/765506596130529281

What about men with sunglasses?Kerala cop Rishiraj Singh’s 14-sec staring remark.
You know men will be men.#FreedomToLive#14seconds

— Salman Farizi (@salman_tsf) August 16, 2016

https://twitter.com/Mahendranx4/status/765362756618899456



Some social media users have supported Singh for raising an important issue of women’s safety.

Never mind the number of seconds, just stop staring at someone! #14Seconds

— Jay Ambadi (@jay_ambadi) August 16, 2016

#14secondrule and give a tight punch to the person who dare to stare... #Respect @ipsrishirajsing

— Tripti Singh 🇮🇳 (@triptidaudsar) August 16, 2016

https://twitter.com/NSMlive/status/765229752705617920

Others, however, suggested that while the intent was to check the rising incidents of rape and violence against women, the methodology ought to be changed.

#14seconds #Kerala while the intent is good , the methodology has to be different @BBCBusiness @wef @cnni https://t.co/lwom4mXove

— Ajith Thomas (@ajith1269) August 16, 2016