Tamil magazine's sexist cover story criticises women leggings, faces flak by social media

The moral policing in India might just have hit the sweet spot between being extremely offensive and outright disgusting.

Popular Tamil magazine Kumudam Reporter is now at the center of controversy over a cover story on the trend of women wearing leggings and has invited the ire of readers on social media, women journalists and activists, reports the Quint .

In the latest issue of the magazine, its cover story “Obscene leggings: Youth are exceeding limits” is illustrated with close-up photographs of the backs of women wearing leggings.

The story blamed women for wearing “obscene clothes” and said men stare at them because they wear skin tight clothes, reports Hindustan Times .

Also, the fact that the women who were featured in the photographs were probably unaware that their pictures were taken were pointed out by many on the social media.

According to the Quint  report, a group of women journalists, writers and activist in Tamil Nadu are planning to release a statement condemning Kumudam for the article and protesting against it.

Many journalists and activists on social media have demanded an apology from Kumudam magazine for their misogynistic take on women, reports India Today .

Here is what the Twitterati had to has on the whole business:

"Obscene Leggings: The youth is crossing the line" (Cover story of Tamil mag, Kumudham Reporter) - Wow, seriously? pic.twitter.com/A1iujmVHP2

— Karthik 🇮🇳 (@beastoftraal) September 23, 2015

Horribly sexist, regressive & completely inappropriate - photos shot without the women's knowledge. #kumudam #shame pic.twitter.com/lkiSkPylJv

— Shiva Jayashankar (@adyarite) September 23, 2015

Sick. Shameful journalism. @Kumudam_Com you need to apologize for this photo. https://t.co/uuoewV7t0n

— Achu (@Bultaulta) September 22, 2015

Kumudam used to be a brilliant magazine. Sadly now they're literally the pits! Terrible cover story! pic.twitter.com/j1iPMAjAEq

— Shakthi Vadakkepat (@v_shakthi) September 23, 2015

Absolutely horrendous stuff from #kumudam. Taking pics like this & actually making a story out of women's leggings. pic.twitter.com/JPWt8rqclT

— Radhika Santhanam (@radhikasan) September 23, 2015