Sexual consent in India: we’ve learned the vocabulary, but what about the behaviour?
An examination of the gap between understanding the language of consent and its practical application in Indian society, drawing on recent research and personal narratives.
Key Terms
- Sexual Consent — Voluntary, enthusiastic, and freely given agreement to engage in a specific sexual act, which can be withdrawn at any time.
- Sexual Autonomy — An individual's inherent right to make decisions about their own body and sexual activity, free from coercion, pressure, or external influence.
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS) — A large-scale, multi-round survey conducted across India, providing comprehensive demographic, health, and family welfare data, including insights into sexual behaviour and attitudes.
- PLOS ONE — A peer-reviewed, open-access, multi-disciplinary scientific journal published by the non-profit Public Library of Science, disseminating research across various scientific fields.
- The Journal of Sex Research — An international, peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to interdisciplinary research on the scientific study of sexuality.
Background & Timeline
The discourse surrounding sexual consent in India has evolved, particularly since the mid-2020s, with a noticeable increase in public campaigns, dating-app prompts, and online educational content aimed at raising awareness. This heightened visibility has contributed to a widespread understanding of the basic vocabulary associated with consent, such as 'boundaries', 'comfort', and 'communication'. However, the central question in 2026 remains whether this linguistic comprehension has translated into corresponding behavioural changes.
Key studies have emerged to shed light on this evolving landscape. The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), conducted between 2019 and 2021, collected extensive data that subsequently became a crucial resource for researchers. On January 8, 2025, a study published in PLOS ONE analysed data from NFHS-5 to assess Indian men's attitudes towards women's sexual autonomy. Further academic inquiry, including a 2026 study published in The Journal of Sex Research, has delved into the nuanced understandings of consent among young Indian adults, highlighting the complexity beyond a simple 'yes' or 'no' proposition. These studies, alongside ongoing societal conversations, highlight the contemporary relevance of examining the gap between knowing the language of consent and internalising its demands in everyday interactions.
Institutional Framework
The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in Mumbai, a deemed university and a premier institution for population studies in India, played a pivotal role in this discourse, with its researchers analysing the extensive data collected through the NFHS-5. The Public Library of Science (PLOS), a non-profit organisation, facilitates the dissemination of scientific research through its open-access journals like PLOS ONE, ensuring that studies on critical social issues such as sexual autonomy reach a broad audience. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) itself is a large-scale initiative conducted under the overall guidance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, providing foundational data for policy-making and academic research on health and demographic indicators across the nation.
What is the current understanding of consent among Indian men?
Recent research indicates favourable attitudes towards women's sexual autonomy among a significant portion of Indian men, at least in principle. A study published in PLOS ONE on January 8, 2025, which analysed data from 101,839 Indian men aged 15 to 54 collected through the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) between 2019 and 2021, found that 63% of men expressed favourable attitudes towards women’s sexual autonomy. The study further detailed that 75% of men agreed that a wife was justified in refusing sex if she was tired or simply not in the mood. This figure rose to 77% if her husband were having sex with other women, and 83% if he had a sexually transmitted infection. The research also highlighted a correlation between men holding more egalitarian attitudes towards decision-making within the home and a greater likelihood of supporting women’s sexual autonomy (Source: PLOS ONE, January 8, 2025).
Where does the gap between vocabulary and behaviour emerge?
Despite the reported favourable attitudes, anecdotal evidence suggests a discernible gap between men's verbal understanding of consent and their actual behaviour. A woman who grew up in Mumbai and moved to Delhi for work noted that while men often use the vocabulary of consent—terms like 'boundaries', 'comfort', and 'communication'—it sometimes feels like 'Internet speak', where the language has been learned without a full absorption of its meaning. She observed this particularly around intimacy, where an initial understanding of her 'no' might quickly be followed by visible disappointment, leading to a sense that consent can become conditional. This suggests that while the word 'no' is acknowledged, it may subtly diminish interest or lead to a perception of the woman being 'difficult' (Source: Conversations with a woman cited in The Hindu, September 12, 2026).
What are the challenges in practicing consent for both men and women?
The practical application of consent presents challenges for all parties involved, extending beyond simply receiving a 'yes' or 'no'. A young man from Goa described feeling constantly 'on tenterhooks' in dating situations, navigating a series of checks: 'Is she comfortable? Is this okay? Should I stop?' He noted that this overcautiousness, while potentially awkward, could be a necessary adjustment for men who have not historically been required to deeply consider their responsibilities in sexual interactions. This perspective suggests that being slightly overcautious can prevent assumptions that silence, previous enthusiasm, or general interest automatically equate to permission. Furthermore, a 2026 study in The Journal of Sex Research, based on in-depth interviews with 32 Indian young adults aged 18 to 28, found that participants held markedly different understandings of consent, ranging from a straightforward 'yes-or-no' proposition to more nuanced ideas shaped by personal experience. Despite these variations, participants consistently recognised consent's fundamental importance to trust, comfort, and the establishment of healthy relationships (Source: Conversations with a young man from Goa, The Journal of Sex Research study 2026).
How do individuals and educators approach consent beyond a simple 'yes' or 'no'?
Beyond the binary of 'yes' or 'no', a deeper understanding of consent involves self-awareness and the ability to recognise subtle forms of coercion. A bisexual woman interviewed for the article emphasised that consent begins with knowing oneself, particularly when there is a mismatch in libido. She highlighted the importance of recognising when one's body is saying 'no', even if a partner desires a 'yes', and being able to articulate 'I’m not feeling it' without needing extensive justification.
She also pointed out how coercion can be disguised as guilt, where individuals are made to feel 'prudish', 'selfish', or 'responsible for somebody else’s disappointment' for asserting their boundaries, succinctly stating, 'Your body is not a group project.' Sexuality educator Leeza Mangaldas advocates for reframing consent to be less intimidating and more integrated into the positive aspects of sexual exploration. Through her work, she aims to make consent feel 'curious, playful, and mutually enjoyable,' akin to taking up a new sport together. Mangaldas asserts that 'Being sex-positive is not only about being willing to try more things. It is about being curious enough to ask, secure enough to hear an honest answer, and comfortable enough not to punish someone for giving it' (Source: Conversations with a bisexual woman, Leeza Mangaldas, sexuality educator, cited in The Hindu, September 12, 2026).
What unique dimensions does consent take in the queer community?
Within the queer community, particularly as more individuals explore kink and BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, Masochism), the conversation around consent acquires additional layers of complexity. A Kerala-based gay man observed that some individuals in these spaces might learn the vocabulary of kink and BDSM before fully internalising the associated responsibilities. He noted instances where someone might declare themselves a 'dominant' and mistakenly assume that a 'submissive' partner is automatically open to any activity. However, he stressed that kink is not a 'licence to hurt someone and call it experimentation.'
Consensual BDSM, he explained, is fundamentally built around explicit communication, including discussing desires, establishing clear boundaries, and having agreed-upon safe words or methods to stop an activity at any point. This perspective highlights a crucial distinction: sexual openness, while valuable, is not synonymous with sexual competence. The ability to communicate effectively, negotiate boundaries, and respect a partner's right to stop is paramount, reinforcing that consent is not merely about securing a 'yes' but about genuinely learning to hear and accept a 'no' without personalising it (Source: Conversations with a Kerala-based gay man cited in The Hindu, September 12, 2026).
Why does this topic matter RIGHT NOW?
As of September 2026, the topic of sexual consent in India holds immediate relevance due to a noticeable societal shift where the vocabulary of consent has entered mainstream discourse, yet its behavioural integration remains a significant challenge. The insights from recent studies and personal narratives highlight a point where increased awareness must translate into genuine understanding and respectful practice. This matters now because the gap between knowing the language and embodying its principles directly impacts the quality of relationships, individual autonomy, and the overall safety and dignity of individuals in a rapidly evolving social landscape.
What is the likely trajectory — how will this evolve in the next 1-5 years?
The conversation around consent is likely to deepen and become more nuanced over the next one to five years, moving beyond basic definitions to encompass the complexities of communication, power dynamics, and emotional intelligence. Educational initiatives, particularly those leveraging digital platforms and community-led dialogues, are expected to intensify their focus on fostering empathy and practical skills for navigating consent in real-world scenarios. Future research, building upon the foundations laid by studies like those published in PLOS ONE and The Journal of Sex Research, will likely provide more granular data on evolving attitudes and practices across diverse demographics and subcultures in India, offering a clearer picture of progress and persistent challenges. This ongoing academic and public engagement will be crucial for sustained societal evolution.
What are the governance/policy/societal implications?
While the article primarily focuses on sociological and behavioural aspects rather than specific legal frameworks, the implications for governance and policy are indirect but significant. A society that genuinely internalises consent principles reduces the incidence of sexual violence and coercion, thereby lessening the burden on the legal and justice systems. For instance, the Indian Penal Code, 1860, particularly Section 375, defines rape based on the absence of consent, underscoring the legal framework's reliance on this principle. The societal implication is a move towards more equitable and respectful relationships, where individual autonomy is not just a legal concept but a lived reality. The continued emphasis on consent in public discourse, as evidenced by ongoing campaigns and media coverage into late 2026 and beyond, suggests a sustained societal effort to internalise these principles. This cultural evolution is fundamental to strengthening individual rights and fostering equitable relationships, aligning with broader democratic values of dignity and autonomy.