Keralam Minister Bindu Krishna slams Kanthapuram’s directive on ‘restricting’ women at public events
Kerala's Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna has publicly criticized a religious leader's directive that restricts women from mingling with men at public events. The controversy stems from a circular issued by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, which has drawn backlash from various political leaders and women's rights organizations.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between traditional religious interpretations and constitutional guarantees of gender equality in Indian public life.
Keralam’s Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna has criticised All India Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar for urging Muslim organisations to restrict women from mingling with men at public religious celebrations .
Ms. Krishna said on Monday (August 31, 2026) that such directives could push women “centuries back” and should not be accepted in a society that guarantees equal rights to men and women.
The Constitution guarantees equal rights to women and men regardless of gender, she said. “People have the right to live a free and liberal life. Directives like these will push women centuries back,” she said.
The Minister said women should be free to participate in public life. “Our women are free to move. They are capable of leading. Our girls are part of this society, and we cannot accept such statements,” she said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in