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Where love has gone

Girl meets boy. They fall in love. Elders in both families oppose the match. The couple elopes and marries. Families accept them. They live happily ever after. This was the theme of many a Bollywood film in the 70s and 80s. Perhaps, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, released in 1995, somewhat changed track on the issue of elopement.

Films undoubtedly reflect society (but most of them in a grossly exaggerated way). One has only to compare the storylines of films down the ages from the black and white era till date to understand the change in social scenario.

Films undoubtedly reflect society (but most of them in a grossly exaggerated way). One has only to compare the storylines of films down the ages from the black and white era till date to understand the change in social scenario.

Every week, some story or the other about couples eloping and “marrying” lands in the newsroom. Here are some pointers on what to keep in mind while editing such a copy –:

• a) A sub editor must ascertain the age of the couple in case the reporter has not done so. If either is a minor, no identification of both their names or those of their relatives or of their village, town etc.
b) The copy must have a police version – if a complaint has been lodged and sections under which an FIR has been registered. If no complaint has been lodged, drop the copy as mere allegations cannot be the basis of a story.

What a sub editor must know --:

As per the Indian Majority Act, though the legal age to attain majority in India is 18 years for both genders, this age differs for males and females for marriage. However, both can vote at 18.
The 2006 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act sets the legal age for marriage at 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys.
If the girl is less than 18 years old and consummates “the marriage”, it amounts to rape as “consent” by those below 18 is illegal. The man will be tried for rape.
(These laws are applicable to all those who come under the Hindu Marriage Act. However, Muslim Personal Law allows marriage if the boy and the girl have attained puberty, which is presumed once they are both 15 years old.)

Honour killing

While the law should be considered as a basic guideline in such matters, the social ramifications are vast. Matrimony is a reflection of social and religious norms.
A vast section of the society still adheres to the rules based on caste, gotra, family lineage, region, language, religion and economic considerations, including dowry. When these rules are breached by a runaway couple, there are consequences -- from social boycott of the families of the couple concerned to revenge and death. Some families proudly proclaim that they have “saved their honour and name” by doing away with their “errant” ward.

Love Jihad

When the “love match by choice” is between members of two religions, the sub editor has to be more careful. Though couples are allowed to solemnize inter-religion marriages under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, in many cases, the bride is expected to embrace the religion of the spouse. Over the years, the matter has snowballed into a controversial issue with conspiracy theorist whispering that an inter-faith marriage is aimed at converting women “by force” to a particular religion. Such an act is now termed as “love jihad”, unheard of some 15 years ago.

States like Uttar Pradesh have legislated the Anti-Conversion Law to prevent “forced” conversion. Anyone who wishes to convert has to inform the DM concerned and follow norms before being allowed to do so. Those who ignore the law and are caught face trial, hefty fines and jail term.

The issue of “conversion” is hotly debated at various platforms. The row over the film, ‘The Kerala Story’, is a case in point. While Madhya Pradesh has declared the film tax-free, West Bengal has banned its screening and theatre-owners dropped it in Tamil Nadu.

Amid the controversy over the issue of marriage by runaway couples, a sub editor has to be totally objective in editing such stories. He/she has to take care that their personal bias, opinion or comment does not creep into the story, allegations levelled by both sides must be covered and quotes from police and other officials taken to balance the copy. Use details to spice up the story but do not stroke up public outrage or trouble. It is for the reader to form an opinion and comment on the matter.

(Concluded)

Written by Robina Gagerna
former Assistant News Editor - Times of India
currently Visiting Faculty at Sanjeevana

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