India, June 22 -- In the times that we live in, a seminal issue before us is to define the boundaries between an intrusive state and the inviolable rights to privacy of individuals. In many cases the lines between these two polarities are being blurred or even demolished. The state now believes that it has the right to determine individual behaviour in all kinds of personal matters, including what people eat and drink, wear or don't wear, and the kind of relationships they choose to have.

In some areas, the state does have the powers to play a regulatory role even if it impinges on personal freedom of choice. The minimum age at which people can marry, or the declaration of some days of national importance as dry days, or imposing punitiv...