377 in Uniform – Will there be any ramifications of the “Section 377 Verdict” on the Military…?

377 in UNIFORM

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer: I am not a “Legal Eagle” – nor am I a “Sea Lawyer”. This article is a spoof, a piece of humor, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

The recent “Section 377 Verdict” decriminalized part of the 158-year-old colonial era provisions of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was introduced in 1861 during the British Rule of India.

Modelled on the Buggery Act of 1533 (Britain’s first law to make Buggery or Sodomy a crime) – Section 377 criminalized sexual activities “against the order of nature” – including sexual activities between persons of the same-sex.

Now – after part decriminalization – Section 377 will not apply to consensual same-sex acts between homosexuals, heterosexuals, lesbians and other sexual minorities.

Thus – henceforth – it is lawful for persons of the same sex to indulge in consensual sexual activities.

Will there be any ramifications of the “Section 377 Verdict” on the Defence Services…?  

One wonders whether the Military will treat “consensual sex” between “Same-Sex” Military Personnel as acceptable, moral and lawful…?

(Before I attempt to answer the question – Dear Reader – let me remind you once again that I am no “legal eagle” – nor am I a “Sea Lawyer” – and – being a Naval Veteran – I shall give you my “imaginings” in the context of the Navy with the hope that some “expert” Army, Naval and Air Veterans and Legal Eagles “pontificate” on the implications of the “Section 377 Verdict” on their respective services. Also – please treat this article as a spoof, a piece of humor – so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.…)  

Will Navy treat “consensual sex” between “Same-Sex” Naval Personnel as lawful…?

Will consensual buggery/lesbianism between Naval Personnel be acceptable…?  

If YES – it is fine.

If NO – how will the Navy tackle such “same-sex” acts of buggery and lesbian-sex between Naval Personnel…?

Prior to decriminalization of consensual same-sex acts – Navy could use Section 77 of the Navy Act to punish Naval Personnel indulging in buggery or lesbian-sex which was then an offence under Section 377 of IPC. 

(Section 77 of the Navy Act provides for punishment of Naval Personnel for Civil Offences)

Now – after part decriminalization of Section 377 – consensual same-sex acts are no longer a punishable offence under the IPC – so – Naval Personnel indulging in consensual buggery or lesbian-sex do not commit any “civil” offence – hence – Section 77 is not applicable.

So – in case the Navy wishes to punish consensual buggery or lesbian-sex among Naval Personnel – will Navy take recourse to the “catch all” provisions of The Navy Act, 1957 which can be used to label almost anything as an “offence”…?  

One wonders whether these provisions were deliberately made ambiguous so that they become “all encompassing” and can be “interpreted” as convenient by senior officers.

Let us have a look at these three sections of the Navy Act (Sections 53, 54 and 74 in Chapter VIII – Articles of War)

(The “Articles of War” are a set of regulations – the statutory provisions in the Navy Act that regulate and govern the conduct of Officers and Sailors of the Navy)

Cruelty and conduct unbecoming the character of an officer

Section 54

(1) Every officer subject to naval law who is guilty of cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned.

(2)  Every officer subject to naval law who is guilty of any scandalous or fraudulent conduct or of any conduct unbecoming the character of an officer shall be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to two years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned.

Firstly – this section applies to officers only. So – sailors cannot be punished under this section.

Secondly – “consensual sex” cannot be treated as “cruelty” – so Section 54 (1) is not applicable. 

Now – as far as Section 54 (2) is concerned – the “moot question” is:

Can a “consensual same-sex act” between officers be deemed to be “scandalous or fraudulent conduct or conduct “unbecoming” the character of an officer”…?

Offences against good order and naval discipline

Section 74

Every person subject to naval law who is guilty of an act, disorder, or neglect to the prejudice of good order and naval discipline, not hereinbefore specified, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned.

Whereas Section 54 was applicable only to Naval Officers – Section 74 applies to all Naval Personnel.

The “moot question” is:

Can a “consensual same-sex act” between Naval Personnel be deemed an act “to the prejudice of good order and naval discipline”…?

As I said earlier – the phrase “to the prejudice of good order and naval discipline” is quite subjective in nature since the exact meaning of “to the prejudice of good order and naval discipline” has not been precisely defined and interpretation may depend on the perception of the senior officer.

A “conservative” officer may feel that consensual buggery and lesbian-sex are acts “to the prejudice of good order and naval discipline” – whereas a “broad-minded” officer may think differently.

Uncleanness or indecent acts

Section 53

Every person subject to naval law who is guilty of, –

(a)  uncleanness; or

(b)  any indecent act;

shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may be extend to two years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned.

Here – the “moot question” is:

Can a “consensual same-sex act” between Naval Personnel be deemed an “unclean” or “indecent” act…?

Is it valid to say that “heterosexual acts” are “clean” and “decent” – but “homosexual acts” are “unclean” and “indecent”…?  

What is “clean” and what is “unclean” – what is “decent” and what is “indecent” – it depends on the perception of the senior officer.

Of course – Public Display of “Affection” by Naval Personnel may be deemed “indecent” – but can “Private Sexual Activity” be deemed “indecent”…?

(During my long Naval Career – I had not come across anyone being punished for an “unclean” act or “indecent” act – so – I wondered if Section 53 had ever been used to punish a Naval Officer/Sailor.  So – I searched on the internet – and I found a news report which said that a sailor had been found guilty under Section 53(b) of the Navy Act)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What will be the ramifications of the “Section 377 Verdict” on the Armed Forces…?

Will private consensual sex (buggery/lesbian-acts) between “same-sex” military personnel be acceptable in the Armed Forces…?

Or – will the Armed Forces use “catch all” rules/regulations (like Sections 53, 54 and 74 of Navy Act) to punish consensual same-sex acts…?

(Do Army and Air Force Acts have similar provisions like Sections 53, 54 and 74 of Navy Act…?)

Will there be a Fraternization Policy for Same-Sex Relationships among Military Personnel…?

Dear Reader – please comment and tell us – what do you think will happen…? 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Disclaimer:
1. This story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2. This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story is a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

The “Honeytrap”

Humor in Uniform

SNATCH 22

The Honeytrap

A Fictional Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Dear Readers: 

Thank you for your feedback that you don’t like my “serious” stories and giving me your esteemed advice that I should stick to “Humor” 

So – in deference to your wishes – let me dig deep into my “Humor” archives and pull out a rather ribald “Humor in Uniform” story for you to enjoy – and to have a hearty laugh. 

It is just a fictional yarn – humorous satire – a spoof – no offence meant to anybody – so take it in the right spirit of Holi – like they say: 

But before you read this story – Dear Reader – first check whether you have a sense of humor – and only after you confirm that you indeed have a sense of humor should you then continue reading ahead.

Yes – please read this apocryphal story only if you have a sense of humor. 

This fiction story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a hearty laugh. 

Also, this story is for mature adults only, so if you are a kid, or an overly gender sensitive type, please skip this blog post.

If you are game for some satire, a spoof – read on and have a laugh...

“COUGAR” IN UNIFORM – FEMALE “FAUJI” ON THE PROWL

From my Humor in Uniform Archives:

In the Military – “Stealing the Affection of a Brother Officer’s Wife” is strictly taboo. 

The term “stealing affection” is the military euphemism for “adultery”.

Stealing the affection of a brother officer’s wife is deemed to be conduct unbecoming of an officer and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline and is considered an offence.

In most cases – in order to avoid a scandal – if an officer is caught having an affair with a fellow officer’s wife – he is politely asked to put in his papers and quit the service – especially if the affair is between consenting adults – and none of the cuckolded spouses complains.

Now – with the entry of women as officers in the Defence Services – a new possibility has opened up – “Stealing the Affection of a Sister Officer’s Husband”.

If a male officer can steal the affections of a brother officer’s wife – surely there is a possibility that a female officer can steal the affections of a sister officer’s husband – especially in these modern times of gender equality.

Here is a fiction story – a hilarious spoof – about a “cougar” in uniform – a female “fauji” on the prowl – who wants to steal the affections of a sister officer’s husband.

Disclaimer:

1. Please read this apocryphal fictional story only if you have a sense of humor. This fiction story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh. 

2. This story is for mature adults only, so if you are a kid, or an overly gender sensitive type, please skip this post.

3. This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

“COUGAR” IN UNIFORM – A Fictional Spoof By VIKRAM KARVE

Once upon a time – there was a “cougar” in uniform.

She was a macho type female “fauji”.

And this female “fauji” (“cougar in uniform”) was always on the prowl searching for prey – yes – she was always on the hunt for cute and handsome young men – in and out of uniform.

One evening – while on an outstation visit – “cougar in uniform” went shopping in the market.

There – in the market – she spotted a good-looking young man.

She was instantly attracted towards him.

Before “cougar” could make her move – she saw that there was a young woman accompanying the handsome young man.

“Cougar in uniform” observed the handsome man and the young woman – and from their body language – the way they were talking to each other – it was obvious that they were husband and wife.

“Cougar in Uniform” returned to her room disappointed.

Next morning – the female “fauji” (“cougar in uniform”) – put on her uniform – and she went to the local Station HQ – ready to hear the sob stories of women officers from all the units in that area – for which she had been sent down from Headquarters.

She was pleasantly surprised to see the first woman officer in uniform – this young lady officer was the same woman accompanying the handsome young man in the market the previous evening.

“Cougar” looked carefully at the young woman officer standing in front of her – she looked a typical “fauji” type : “good from far – but far from good”

“Cougar” wondered how such an ordinary-looking woman had managed to get such a good-looking husband.

“So this is the wife of my quarry, and she has walked right into my lair – now I must carefully spring the trap,” Cougar said to herself in her mind.

Cougar looked at the young lady officer – and she asked her: 

“Yes – young lady – what’s your problem...?”

“Ma’am – I want my posting cancelled. I want to stay here for some more time...” the young lady army officer said.

“Why...?”

“I got married two years ago. Almost immediately – my husband was posted to field area – and I had to stay all alone over here. Now – he has managed a posting here – and they are posting me out to a field area.”

“So – your husband is in the army...?” Cougar asked the young lady officer.

“Yes Ma’am...” the young lady army officer said.

Cougar was pleased to hear this.

Everything was falling into place.

From experience – Cougar knew that it was easier to proposition a man directly – rather than coerce a woman to convince her husband.

Cougar had done this before – she had stolen the affections of many of her so-called “sister” officers’ husbands.

In most cases it was a one night stand – but in this case – the man was so attractive that Cougar was thinking of a long term affair.

“Suppose we post both of you – you and your husband – to Headquarters for three years – a full 3 year tenure...?” Cougar said to the young lady officer.

The young lady officer could not believe her ears – 3 years together with her husband in a big city and a comfortable 5 day week 9 to 5 job.

“Is it really possible...? I will do anything for it...” the young lady officer said excitedly.

“I will make it possible. But I will need your cooperation...” Cougar said.

“Cooperation – of course, Ma’am – I am willing to do anything...” the young lady army officer said eagerly.

“Cougar in Uniform” looked into the eyes of the young lady officer and said: 

“You don’t have to do anything – you just send your husband to see me in my room at 7:30 in the evening. I want to talk to him – I want to get to know more about him – so I that can manage things in Headquarters.”

“Of course, Ma’am – we both will come – or why don’t you come for dinner…”

“No...” Cougar interrupted, “You need not come. You send your husband alone – I want to discuss things with him in private.”

The young lady officer was baffled.

Why did this senior lady officer want to meet her husband alone...?

And that too – in her room...?

Could it be…???

“What are you thinking...?” Cougar asked the young lady officer.

“Nothing Ma’am...” the young lady officer said.

Cougar said matter-of-factly: 

“There is no free lunch in this world. It is all “give and take”. You talk to your husband – and you decide what you want. Do you want to enjoy 3 years of blissful married life living together in a big city...? Or do you want a hard posting in the field and continue to suffer a long distance marriage for a few more years...? The choice is yours.” 

After saying these words – Cougar stood up from her chair – indicating that the interview was over.

The young lady officer saluted – and walked towards the door.

As she reached the door – the young lady officer heard Cougar’s voice: 

“Tell your husband to come to my room at sharp 7:30 – I will be waiting for him.”

At 7:15 PM in the evening – Cougar was ready for action – bathed, perfumed, titivated.

She poured a drink for herself – rum and coke.

Cougar sipped her drink – lit a cigarette – and waited for her quarry.

At precisely 7:30 PM – there was a knock on the door.

Cougar opened the door in anticipation.

She was expecting to see the cute and gorgeous young man.

Instead – standing in front of her – there was a ferocious looking brute – a huge hulk of a man.

The man looked ugly, scary, hideous. 

The man standing in front of her looked like a monster – he was the ugliest and most ghastly man she had ever seen in her life.

Yes – Cougar had never seen a man so horrible, so unsightly, so repulsive, so terrible – and she trembled with intense revulsion at the sight of the man.

The horrible looking man smiled at Cougar – and he started to speak: 

“Good evening, Ma’am. My wife asked me to see you. May I come in...?”

“You get out of here right now…” Cougar shouted – and she banged the door shut – her heart thumping with anxiety and anger.

Next morning – Cougar summoned the young lady officer.

“Do you think you are too damn smart...? I asked you to send your husband to me – and you sent that horrible hideous brute to my room...?” Cougar shouted at the young lady officer.

“But Ma’am…”

“Shut up – you will regret this – I will make sure you are posted to such a tough place…”

“Ma’am – please listen – I had sent my husband to your room – I promise…”

“Are you trying to tell me that the horrible looking man who came to my room last evening is your husband...?”

“Yes, Ma’am…”

“Then – who was that handsome young man with you in the market…?”

“In the market…?”

“Yes – on the day before yesterday – in the evening – you were shopping – and there was a smart good-looking young man with you – who is he...?” Cougar asked the young lady army officer.

“Oh – that man with me in the market – he is my sahayak...” the young lady officer answered.

“What...? Are you trying to tell me that the handsome young man who was with you in the market was your sahayak – your “batman”...? Is that smart man really your sahayak...?” Cougar asked the young lady officer.

“Yes, Ma’am – that handsome young man is my sahayak – he is my “batman”…” the young lady officer said.

“Oh – so that tough ferocious-looking man you sent to my room yesterday is your husband – and that “cute” handsome man who was with you in the market is your sahayak...?” Cougar said.

“Yes, Ma’am. The man who came to your room is my husband – and the man who was with me in the market is my sahayak...” the lady officer said.

“You are lucky – you have a nice sahayak…” said the female “fauji” Cougar in Uniform with a contemplative look on her face.

It seemed that the ‘Female Fauji “Cougar” in Uniform’ was already planning her next move...

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This fiction story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh. 

2. This Story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

This story was written by me more than 4 years ago in 2013 and First Posted online by me Vikram Karve in this blog "Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve" on 19 March 2014 at 3/19/2014 03:36:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/03/cougar-in-uniform.html and re-posted by me later at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/10/stealing-affections-story-of-cougar-on.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/04/spoof-for-april-fools-day-cougar-in.htmland http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/09/humor-in-uniform-female-fauji-on-prowl.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/snatch-22-honeytrap-humor-in-uniform.html etc

It Takes Two to Tango

Stealing Affections – It Takes Two to Tango

This morning – I came across a rather curious news-report about a “stealing affections” case. 

One does not know the truth about the allegations/case – and – the truth will be found out by the inquiry. 

In most “stealing affections” cases – men are accused of “stealing affections” 

But – in this case – an allegation of “stealing affections” has been made against a woman. 

After reading the news-report – I remembered a Story that I had posted on my blog more than 3 years ago in July 2014. 

I had written this story after reading a newspaper report on a “stealing affections” case.

Here is the story once more for you to mull over.

From My “Humor in Uniform” Archives 

(This Post Was Written on July 19, 2014)

Stealing Affections – It Takes Two to Tango

A Fictional Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

NB: This Story Was Written on July 19, 2014

There was a recent news-report in the newspapers about a Navy Commodore being sacked as he was found guilty of “stealing the affections of a brother officer's wife”. 

The term “stealing affection” is the military euphemism for “adultery”.

Stealing the affection of a brother officer’s wife is deemed to be conduct unbecoming of an officer and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline and is considered an offence.

Don’t you feel that the expression “stealing affection” is a misnomer?

The word “steal” implies that you take something belonging to someone else without her knowledge or consent.

Can you “steal” someone’s “affections” without the other person knowing it?

Is it a case of one-way love?

Or is the lady (brother officer’s wife) willingly giving her affections to the officer (her husband’s colleague)?

If she is willingly giving her affections, can the officer be accused of “stealing” affections?

And, if the officer had forced his affections on the lady, she could have complained of rape or molestation, or outraging the modesty of a woman, for which the punishment is much more severe than mere dismissal.

There is a difference between sexual harassment and a love affair between two consenting adults.

An officer can “steal” the affections of a brother officer's wife only because the brother officer’s wife is willing to have her affections “stolen” by him.

In a love affair, the relationship and the sex, both are consensual.

So, isn’t the woman equally responsible for the adulterous love affair...?

It takes two to tango.

Yes, it takes two willing people to commit infidelity, not just one.

Both the man and the woman are equally guilty of indulging in the immoral act of adultery.

But the man is punished severely, even sacked from his job, whereas the equally guilty woman goes scot-free.

Is this fair?

From an ethical point of view, is it ethical to blame only the man for the adulterous love affair in which the woman has willingly participated?

Is it not a case of reverse gender bias...?

Extra-Marital Affairs and “Stealing Affections” are not new to the Navy.

Surely, you have heard of the famous Commander Nanavati Case which, some say, was instrumental in abolishing the jury trial system in India.

As far as the navy mores are concerned, it seems okay for officers to sow their wild oats outside.

Even in cases of “stealing the affection of a brother officer’s wife” – as long as the affair is kept discreet, everyone looks the other way.

The Navy cracks the whip only when one of the aggrieved spouses complains, and the complainant is mostly the cuckolded husband whose wife’s affections are being “stolen” by another officer.

The saddest part is that the wife of the “straying” unfaithful husband is hit by a double whammy.

First, she has to bear the social humiliation associated with her husband accused of committing adultery with another woman and being punished for “conduct unbecoming of an officer”.

Second, she has to suffer financial consequences of her husband losing his job and, maybe, his pension benefits, if he is dismissed with disgrace.

The financial jolt due to loss of job and income of the breadwinner can be particularly severe is the wife is a homemaker financially dependent on her husband.

The children suffer unimaginable agony too.

Earlier there were no Lady Officers in the Armed Forces.

So the only sexual “offence” pertained to male officers “stealing the affection of a brother officer's wife”.

With the entry of Women Officers in the Defence Services in the 1990’s – new possibilities have emerged.

Whereas for male officers, stealing the affection of a brother officer’s wife is deemed to be conduct unbecoming of an officer and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline and is considered an offence – in the case of female officers – will the same apply to “stealing the affection of a sister officer’s husband” or “stealing the affections of a married officer”...?

By the way – for a lady officer – stealing the affection of a “brother officer” is considered okay.

Conversely – stealing the affections of a “sister officer” seems okay for male officers.

In fact – “brother officers” are permitted to marry “sister officers” (yes – male officers are allowed to marry female officers) – and there are many “military couples in uniform” in the Armed Forces.

It is all very confusing – so all I will say is that “stealing affection” is an affair of the heart in which “It Takes Two to Tango...”

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved) 

Revised Repost of my article “Stealing Affections – It Takes Two to Tango” posted online more than 3 years ago on 19 July 2014 at url:

 http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/07/humor-in-uniform-stealing-affections-it.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/08/stealing-affections-it-takes-two-to.html  and https://karve.wordpress.com/2016/08/04/it-takes-two-to-tango-so-why-blame-the-man-alone-for-stealing-the-affection-of-a-brother-officers-wife/  etc