Kerala Minister Bindu Krishna Hits Out at Samastha Circular Restricting Women

Kerala's Women and Child Development Minister, Bindu Krishna, has strongly condemned a recent circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar. The circular had urged Muslim organisations to ensure that women do not mix with men on stages or in public spaces during religious celebrations.

Responding on Monday, Minister Krishna asserted that such directives are unacceptable in a society where the Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of gender. "People have the right to live a free and liberal life. Directives like these will push women centuries back," she said, emphasising that women must remain free to participate in public life and are capable of leading.

The controversy stems from a circular issued last week, which also advised mahals and madrasas to ensure religious programmes adhere to Islamic norms and to avoid incorporating customs from other cultures. The directive was reportedly issued against the backdrop of changing celebrations of Prophet Muhammad's birthday, which have expanded from traditional venues to larger public events organised by youth clubs.

The circular has drawn sharp criticism from several CPI(M) leaders and women's organisations. Former Minister P.K. Sreemathy called for its withdrawal, while former Minister K.K. Shailaja described confining women to the home as a 'feudal practice'. AIDWA leader C.S. Sujatha and SFI State secretary P.S. Sanjeev also criticised the directive.

In its defence, Samastha has stated that the circular introduces nothing new and is intended solely for its followers. Critics, however, argue that such restrictions on women's participation and movement are inconsistent with the principles of gender equality.