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BHUBANESWAR, INDIA, December 12, 2003: To curb harassment of women in its premises, a temple in Orissa has announced its own punishment for the guilty, which involves paying a hefty fine and also apologizing for their behavior. Concerned about recent incidents of harassment (called “eve-teasing” in India, though it goes far beyond mere “teasing”), the Managing Committee of the Paschimaswar temple, a temple dedicated to Lord hiva in Dhenkanal, said they would deal with the problem themselves. Instead of going to the nearest police station, a victim can just complain to temple officials and the punishment will follow, said temple Committee President Shiv Prasad Lenka. It was enforced against three young men from a nearby village who heckled and abused women during a marriage ceremony at the temple recently. “I personally rushed to the spot and requested them to stop but they did not listen. We organized a meeting of the temple committee on December 9 and summoned the three eve teasers,” Lenka said. The announcement of the punishment – paying US$44 to the temple committee and apologizing for their behavior – was made in the presence of hundreds of people. Police in the area are also happy. “This is a good step. Police is ready to help temple committee members in this campaign,” an official said.

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