Kochi: The High Court has criticized restrictions on women’s hostels. The court observed that it is not acceptable to restrict female students in the name of safety and such restrictions are part of constitutional rights. Female students of Kozhikode Medical College were banned from leaving the hostel after 9.30pm. Judge Devan Ramachandran’s remark is on the petition filed by the students questioning it.
“Controlling female students in the name of security is not a civilized society. Such restrictions are part of democracy. On what basis is it said that students should not even enter the campus in the name of security? The state is in a situation where life of female students can’t be protected even on the medical university campus?”- asked the court.
The court asked if the hostel was a prison and if they were children. “They are old and capable of electing even the prime minister of the country. If there are security problems, should the students be locked up? It seems that they are attacked only after 21:30? The perpetrators should be locked up. Locking up female students is part of the authoritarian thinking. Do not underestimate the abilities of female students. I am able to protect them,” the court observed.
There are notifications from UGC that no unnecessary restrictions should be implemented in the name of safety and no gender discrimination. The court also ordered the government to explain the reasons for implementing those restrictions while these notifications remain in effect.
English summary: The High Court on female hostel restrictions
