MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani: Reading between the lines of the Ramayana tales cited by the judge

The verdict is legally sound and socially progressive. But its attitude to sexuality and nationalism is cause for some concern.

Madhavi Menon

· Feb 21, 2021 · 09:00 am

The road to Bawana: Reflections on nationalism, juicy oranges and ‘reasonable’ police directions

One of the cops snaps at me to say that our protests are destroying the nation. I say that we are supporting the nation and opposing the government.

Madhavi Menon

· Mar 13, 2020 · 11:30 am

Macho Man: By using a gay anthem at their rally, what message did Modi and Trump intend to convey?

The song is a flirty wink and a knowing nod at the noxious notions that govern the world of patriarchal heterosexuality.

Madhavi Menon

· Mar 01, 2020 · 07:30 am

Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill punishes women for being independent, mystifies motherhood as sacred

With this legislation, women will be cut off from what could be a guaranteed source of income.

Madhavi Menon

· Aug 06, 2019 · 08:00 am

‘Kama and yoga are conjoined twins that have been separated in order for each to survive’

Madhavi Menon explores the history of desire in India in her new book, ‘Infinite Variety’.

Madhavi Menon

· May 15, 2018 · 08:30 am

Three thousand years of erotica are fabulously encapsulated, but can’t erotica only be about sex?

An anthology of classic and modern erotica from India unearths surprises but does not define the realm of the erotic.

Madhavi Menon

· Sep 08, 2017 · 08:30 am

Counterpoint: BJP’s Ram Madhav wants a pure India – mirroring an idea the British wanted to impose

In a recent op-ed, the BJP spokesperson celebrated the fact that India is being turned away from plurality to singularity.

Madhavi Menon

· Aug 17, 2017 · 08:00 am

Martyrs and mothers: The Indian government sentimentalises both, without caring for either

The Army man, like the maa, is beyond reproach in the country. Sadly, both are often without adequate state support.

Madhavi Menon

· Mar 03, 2017 · 06:30 am

On homosexuality and national anthem, the Supreme Court has offered contradictory reasoning

On Section 377, the apex court said only Parliament could change laws. But on national anthem, it in effect, amended the Constitution.

Madhavi Menon

· Feb 22, 2017 · 06:30 pm

Why it’s time to demand aazadi from Mother India

The Indian woman has squarely been assigned her position in life – motherhood.

Madhavi Menon

· Mar 08, 2016 · 08:00 am

Four reasons why the JNU and Jat agitations are worlds apart...

...and some ways in which they are similar.

Madhavi Menon

· Feb 23, 2016 · 11:30 am

Supreme Court move on film about gay man allows personal biases of a few to trump rule of law

The judges put off until 2018 a hearing on Gujarat's refusal to provide tax exemption for a movie about homosexuality, agreeing that some people believe that homosexuality is a social evil.

Madhavi Menon

· Sep 21, 2015 · 11:30 am