Patriarchy in guise of protection has to be frowned upon: Kerala HC on Night Curfew for girls at Kozhikode Medical College

Kochi: Expressing its displeasure on imposing curfew in the women's hostel of Kozhikode Medical College, the Kerala High Court has pointed out that such restrictions under the guise of protection were nothing but patriarchy.

These observations came from the HC bench while it was considering the plea by five female MBBS students and office-bearers of the College Union of the Kozhikode Medical College. 

It was pointed out in the plea that while all the female students need to return by 9:30 p.m. because of the curfew, there was no such restriction for the male students.

While considering the plea, the HC bench pointed that all forms of patriarchy, even those offered under the guise of protection on the basis of gender, must be frowned upon

The petitioners approached the court challenging a Government Order (GO) issued in 2019 that prescribed a condition that restricted the entry and exit of hostel inmates of higher education colleges after 9.30 p.m., without any reason, adds IANS.

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The petitioners also challenged several clauses of the Ordinance for Recognition of Hostels in affiliated Educational Institutions under Kerala University of Health Sciences that set certain fixed times when the students have to study and can use the study hall.

"The petitioners who have attained the age of majority ought to be given the freedom to choose the mode or manner in which they intend to study as long as it does not cause any disturbance to others," the plea stated.

While considering the matter, the Court expressed its displeasure over the curfew imposed on girls and observed, "In the modern times, any patriarchism -- even in the guise of offering protection based on gender -- would have to be frowned upon because girls, as much as boys, are fully capable of taking care of themselves; and if not, it must be the endeavour of the State and the Public Authorities to make them so competent, rather than being locked in."

The court also pointed out that the GO, prima facie, appeared to restrict the ability of students even to walk in the campus after a particular time and that the same can be justified only if compelling reasons are shown.

The court sought the response of the state government, University and Kerala State Women's Commission and posted the case for December 7.

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