Kochi: The High Court criticized the restrictions on women’s hostels. The court observed that it is not acceptable to restrict women students in the name of security and such restrictions are part of constitutional rights. Female students of Kozhikode Medical College were banned from leaving the hostel after 9.30 pm. Justice Devan Ramachandran’s observation is on the petition submitted by the students questioning this.
“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? Is the state in a situation where the lives of female students cannot be protected even in the medical college campus?”- the court asked.
The court asked whether the hostel was a prison and asked if they were children. “They are senior citizens and capable of electing even the Prime Minister of the country. If there are any kind of security issues, should the students be locked up? They seem to be attacked only after 9.30 pm? The perpetrators should be locked up. Locking up female students is a part of authoritarian thinking. Do not underestimate the ability of female students. They are capable of protecting them” – the court observed.
There are notifications by UGC that no unnecessary restrictions should be implemented in the name of security and no gender discrimination. The court also directed the government to explain the reasons for implementing such restrictions while these notifications remain in place.
English Summary: High Court on Ladies Hostel Restrictions