Kerala School Headmistress Denied Entry Over Churidar Attire
In a controversial incident that has sparked outrage across Kerala, a headmistress of an aided school in Kollam district was barred from entering her workplace on Wednesday morning for wearing a churidar. The event led to police intervention and triggered immediate protests by various teachers' organizations, who condemned the action as discriminatory and illegal.
Morning Confrontation at School Gate
The incident unfolded at approximately 8:45 AM at EVHSS, Neduvathur, located in Kottarakkara. Headmistress Sindhu S Nair arrived at the school carrying eggs and other supplies for the midday meal scheme when she was stopped at the entrance. According to the complaint filed, the school manager, K Suresh Kumar, had previously instructed the gate watcher not to allow her entry if she wore a churidar, despite government orders permitting teachers to wear such attire.
The gatekeeper refused to open the gate, citing the manager's directive. In response, Sindhu sat in protest in front of the school gate with the supplies. Even as students and staff began arriving, she remained outside, unable to enter her workplace.
Police Intervention and Escalating Tensions
By 9:30 AM, PTA president T Ajith Kumar and other members reached the spot. Shortly afterward, police personnel, including pink police, arrived at the scene. They held discussions with Sindhu and eventually escorted her to the school office. While classes continued without disruption, news of the incident spread rapidly through the community.
The situation quickly escalated as teachers' unions and political organizations mobilized protests, denouncing the manager's actions as a violation of personal freedom and existing regulations. They argued that the dress code enforcement was not only unjust but also contravened official guidelines.
Formal Complaint and Allegations of Harassment
Sindhu has since filed a formal complaint with the Kottarakkara police against manager K Suresh Kumar and temporary security guard Shashankan. The complaint accuses them of obstructing her from performing official duties and insulting a public servant. Additionally, she has stated her intention to approach higher education authorities to seek departmental action against those involved.
In her allegations, Sindhu claimed that this is not an isolated incident. She reported that the manager has been repeatedly harassing her, including an instance two months ago when she was stopped at the gate while leaving for election-related training, despite having official permission. She also mentioned receiving multiple memos on frivolous grounds.
Past Controversies and Official Response
The manager, K Suresh Kumar, has been involved in previous controversies, including cases related to misconduct toward staff members. Sindhu alleged that in one past instance, a court had penalized him for indecent behavior toward a female employee, highlighting a pattern of concerning conduct.
Meanwhile, the district education officer stated that no formal complaint has been received from the headmistress as of yet. The office emphasized that action will be taken according to rules once a written complaint is submitted, indicating that the matter is under official scrutiny.
This incident has raised significant questions about dress code policies in educational institutions and the rights of teachers, prompting broader discussions on workplace discrimination and administrative overreach in Kerala's school system.
