A Kiss Is Not Just a Kiss: Indian Court

Criminal charge against couple dismissed
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 4, 2009 10:57 AM CST
A Kiss Is Not Just a Kiss: Indian Court
Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty performs rituals inside a temple A Jaipur court issued arrest warrants after Richard Gere kissed her in public.   (AP Photo)

A married couple accused of obscenity for allegedly kissing in public have been cleared by a judge in Delhi, reports the BBC, where public displays of affection are considered scandalous. The couple was arrested at a railroad station where they claim they were photographing themselves with a cellphone. A conviction could have landed them in prison for three months.

The judge expressed amazement at the charge, although it's not the first time public kissers have been charged. "It is inconceivable how an expression of love by a young married couple would attract an offense of obscenity and trigger the coercive process of law," said the judge.
(More kissing stories.)

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