"In the echo of violated privacy and lost empathy, the Kulhad Pizza Viral Couple case stands as a haunting reminder of our collective failure as humans, revealing a fractured moral compass in the digital age a stark call to rekindle the flames of empathy, respect, and dignity in the soul of our society."...Vishal Banga

Introduction to Kulhad Pizza Viral Couple: A Case of Privacy and Morality

The case of the Kulhad Pizza Viral Couple, which gained national attention in India, has sparked a complex debate on the intersection of law, morality, and societal responsibility. Sehaj Arora and his wife Gurpreet, a young couple from Punjab's Jalandhar, gained fame for their innovative venture that involved serving pizzas in traditional 'kulhads' (clay cups). Since then, they have been popularly referred to as the 'Kulhad Pizza' couple.

Their journey began as a heart warming tale of entrepreneurial success, capturing the imagination of food enthusiasts and social media aficionados alike. The incident involved a couple selling kulhad pizzas in Jalandhar, who were filmed without their consent and the video went viral on social media. This sparked outrage and public scrutiny, leading to various repercussions for the couple.

The incident highlighted the prevalence of moral policing in India, where individuals and groups take it upon themselves to regulate the behaviour of others based on their own moral standards. This often leads to the violation of individual rights and freedoms. The online circulation of the video fuelled a mob mentality, where people participated in the shaming and harassment of the couple based on limited information and without considering the potential consequences.

Impact on the Couple: The couple faced significant emotional distress and social stigma due to the viral video. Their business suffered, and they were forced to relocate due to fear and harassment. Privacy Breach: The initial act of sharing the video online constitutes a clear failure to respect their privacy and dignity.

Dissemination of Information:
The rapid spread of the video on social media, often accompanied by lewd comments and accusations, further amplified the harm caused to the couple. Lack of Empathy: The widespread online shaming and harassment of the couple demonstrated a lack of empathy and compassion towards individuals who were already going through a difficult situation.

Moving Forward:
Strengthening the legal framework for protecting individual privacy and tackling cyberbullying is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. Social Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of respecting individual privacy and combating moral policing are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and tolerant society.

Individual Responsibility:
Recognizing the potential harm caused by online actions and practicing responsible behaviour on social media is critical in preventing cyberbullying and protecting individual well-being. The incident also sparked a discussion about the ethics of sharing street food vendors' videos and images online, especially when it involves filming individuals without their consent.

The case highlights the need for platforms like social media companies to take greater responsibility for preventing the spread of harmful content and protecting users' privacy. Individuals should be mindful of the potential consequences of their online actions and avoid engaging in activities that can infringe upon others' rights or cause them harm.

The Kulhad Pizza Viral Couple case highlights the complex interplay of law, morality, and societal responsibility in the digital age. While legal recourse may be available, addressing the deeper societal issues of privacy invasion, moral policing, and mob mentality requires collective effort and a shift in social attitudes. Only through a commitment to protecting individual rights and promoting empathy and understanding can we create a more just and equitable society.

Our Collective Failure: How We Violated Dharma in the Kulhad Pizza Case

The Kulhad Pizza viral couple incident stands as a stark reminder of our collective failure as humans, a stark transgression against the very principles of dharma that have guided our society for millennia. Where we, as a community, failed.

These all sharing by youth and influencer proves that we are not in favour of morals or privacy conduct of individual of our nation, which emerged as a heavier privacy breach to couple.

Violating Ahinsa (Non-violence):

• Privacy invasion:
  It stripped them of their agency and exposed them to public scrutiny without their choosing. This is a form of mental violence, leaving them vulnerable and distressed.
   
• Mob mentality:
  The online sharing and amplification of the video fueled a mob mentality, where baseless accusations and hurtful comments were hurled at the couple. This collective act of aggression, fuelled by anonymity and a lack of empathy, inflicted immense emotional harm.
   
• Potential for physical harm:
  The viral nature of the video could have exposed the couple to physical harm, harassment, or even threats. By normalizing the invasion of their privacy, we created a situation where their safety and well-being were jeopardized.
   

Disrespecting Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness):

• Exploitation for profit:
  The video was often shared with sensationalized headlines and clickbait, turning the couple's misfortune into entertainment for online consumption. This exploitation of their vulnerability for personal gain, without their consent or concern for their well-being, is a clear violation of the principle of non-possessiveness. The focus on the couple's unconventional livelihood and attire, often laced with judgment and ridicule, reflected a deep lack of compassion. We failed to see them as individuals deserving of respect and dignity, instead reducing them to objects of amusement and scorn.
   
• The Vedas: The Vedas, considered the foundational texts of Hinduism, emphasize the importance of treating women with respect and reverence. They are seen as the embodiment of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and are accorded equal status with men in spiritual matters.
   
• The Upanishads: The Upanishads, philosophical treatises within the Vedic tradition, advocate for treating all beings with compassion and understanding. They remind us that the same divine spark resides within every individual, regardless of gender.
   
• The Mahabharata and Ramayana: These epic tales showcase ideal relationships between couples built on trust, mutual respect, and shared values. They provide valuable lessons on how to treat each other with dignity and understanding, even in challenging times.
   
• The Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of performing one's duties without attachment or expectation. This principle applies to how we treat others, including women and couples. We must fulfil our responsibilities towards them with respect and without seeking personal gain.
   
• Religious Texts of Other Faiths: Similar principles of respect and equality for women and couples are found in other religious traditions, like the Quran, the Bible, and the Guru Granth Sahib. These texts emphasize the importance of treating all human beings with dignity and compassion, fostering a society where everyone can flourish.

Ignoring Satya (Truth):

This disregard for truth fuelled the fire of the mob mentality and further amplified the harm caused. Ignoring their perspective: We, as a society, failed to listen to the couple's story, to understand their perspective and motivations. We rushed to judgment based on incomplete information, perpetuating a culture of instant gratification and sensationalism over genuine understanding.

Forsaking Karma (Action and its consequences):
Ignoring the ripple effect: Our actions, whether online or offline, have consequences. By participating in the sharing and discussion of the video, even if with seemingly neutral intentions, we contributed to the harm caused. We failed to recognize the interconnectedness of our actions and their impact on others. No one was held accountable for the initial filming and subsequent online harassment of the couple.

This lack of accountability reinforces a culture of impunity, where individuals can violate basic human rights without facing repercussions. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to uphold the principles of dharma, to treat each other with respect and compassion, and to prioritize truth and understanding over sensationalism and judgment. Here are some steps we can take to move forward:

Appeal to media and public by Victims. I don't have the courage to give interview and make videos again and again. Don't ruin our image by giving fake statements without any evidence," he wrote on Facebook and Instagram.

"We are being forced to settle this due to political pressure. Statements were made against us when we denied. I have all the evidence. We don't have any political support. We need your support to stop these videos on internet and get justice," he added. The concerned footage purportedly showing them in compromising position went viral earlier this month. Mr Arora had called it "fake" and filed a police complaint. Although investigation is still in progress .You may have come across a video of us.it is completely fake.

The reason behind its circulation is that 15 days ago, we got a message on Instagram about an extortion bid along with the video.the miscreant claimed they would make a video viral if the demand was not met.but we did not give into the demand and reported the incident to the police," Sehaj shared the ordeal in Punjabi, on his official Instagram account on Thursday.

Even if this video is true! Who we are to spread this?
Even after their request - the Indians kept spreading the video

Conclusion
The Kulhad Pizza Case: A Fractured Reflection of Humanity

The viral video of the Kulhad Pizza couple, ostensibly showcasing their unique livelihood, has morphed into a stark reflection of our collective failings as humans, exposing fault lines in our understanding of privacy, empathy, and responsibility in the digital age. While consent, or the lack thereof, forms a crucial layer in this narrative, it's only the tip of a much deeper iceberg.

The Unraveling of Privacy:
The filming itself, conducted without informed consent, stands as a blatant violation of a fundamental human right. Stripped of their agency, the couple were thrust into the public eye, their lives laid bare for scrutiny and judgment. The online world, a supposed bastion of anonymity, became a platform for voyeurism and exploitation, where personal stories were commodified for clicks and engagement.

The Erosion of Empathy:
The video ignited a wildfire of judgment, fueled by preconceived notions and societal biases. The couple's unconventional attire and livelihood became fodder for ridicule and scorn, revealing a deep lack of empathy in our midst. We, as a collective, failed to recognize their dignity and worth as individuals, instead reducing them to caricatures in a sensationalized narrative.

The Venomous Mob Mentality:
The anonymity of the online space emboldened many to succumb to the mob mentality. Baseless accusations and hateful comments were hurled at the couple, amplifying the initial harm and creating a hostile environment of fear and intimidation. The disconnect between the online persona and the real-world consequences fueled a culture of impunity, where individuals felt free to inflict emotional distress with little to no accountability.

The Echo Chamber of Misinformation:
The video, often shared with sensational headlines and clickbait, morphed into a distorted version of reality. Misinformation and speculation ran rampant, further fueling the fire of judgment and harassment. Critical thinking, the cornerstone of a responsible online citizen, was abandoned in favor of instant gratification and the allure of outrage.

The Failure of Shared Responsibility:
The incident exposed a gaping hole in our collective responsibility. No one, from the initial filmer to the online commenters, was held accountable for the harm inflicted. This lack of accountability fosters a climate of indifference, where online actions are seen as devoid of real-world consequences, perpetuating a cycle of harmful behavior.

From Failure to Transformation:

• The Kulhad Pizza case, though a stark portrayal of our failings, offers an opportunity for collective introspection and change. We must weave a new tapestry of human interaction, one where respect, empathy, and responsibility are the guiding threads.
   
• Informed Consent: We must move beyond the mere presence of consent and strive for informed consent. Individuals deserve to understand the potential consequences of their actions online, particularly when it involves sharing personal information.
   
• The Power of Empathy: We must actively cultivate empathy, seeking to understand the experiences of others before forming judgments or engaging in harmful narratives. Recognizing our shared humanity is crucial to building a more compassionate and inclusive society.
   
• Curbing the Mob Mentality: Holding ourselves accountable for our online behavior is paramount. We must resist the allure of the mob mentality and instead, engage in critical thinking and responsible dialogue.
   
• Combating Misinformation: Fact-checking and verifying information before sharing it online is essential. We must break free from echo chambers and actively challenge misinformation, promoting a culture of truth and informed discourse.
   
• Promoting Accountability: Holding individuals accountable for their online actions, both through legal and social means, is crucial to deterring harmful behavior and fostering a more responsible online environment.

The Kulhad Pizza case may be etched in our digital memory, but it should not define our future. By acknowledging our failings and actively working towards building a more just and ethical online space, we can weave a new tapestry of human interaction, one where respect, empathy, and responsibility are the threads that bind us together. Let this incident not be a moment of despair, but a catalyst for transformation, a reminder of the power we hold to shape the world we live in, both online and offline.

References:
Various Reports of Medias and Social Channels:

• www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kulhad-pizza-couple-appeals-for-public-support-amid-video-controversy-101695444336886-amp.html
• www.ptcnews.tv/amp/punjab-2/jalandhar-kulhad-pizza-owner-breaks-silence-after-private-video-goes-viral-calls-it-fake-731373
• m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/punjabs-kulhad-pizza-couple-seeks-public-support-amid-viral-video

Written By: Vishal Banga, Student of LLM, Guru Nanak Dev University Regional Campus Jalandhar (Punjab)
Ph no: 8219411908, Email: [email protected]