Kerala HC Asserts Children’s Dignity: Labels them as VIPs and states that they cannot be made curios for exhibition

The dispute over children’s participation in the Nava Kerala Sadas has reignited, with the Kerala High Court’s stringent stance signalling a clear message about the need to prioritise the dignity and well-being of the young participants.The decision of Kerala High Court to stop using the school children in the Nava Kerala Sadas comes in response to a petition related to the directive issued by the Deputy Director of Education (DDE), Malappuram, instructing the involvement of school kids in the Sadas.

As the court awaits the government’s response, the public is keenly watching how this development will shape the future of such events involving school children in the state.

On November 28, Justice Devan Ramachandran, presiding over the case, unequivocally declared, “Children are VIPs; hence, they cannot be made curios for exhibition.” Citing Kerala Education Rules, the court stressed the importance of upholding the dignity of children. Despite acknowledgment from the government itself that the decision to involve children in the Sadas was erroneous, the court expressed concern that the same flawed decision was being implemented.

The judge expressed dissatisfaction with the notion that children might participate merely based on teachers’ instructions, deeming such a scenario unacceptable. Justice Devan Ramachandran called on the Government of Kerala to submit its official position on the matter by Thursday, November 30.

In the meantime, Director of General Education (DGE) told in Thiruvananthapuram that action will be taken against those who are responsible for the illegal participation of the children in the Nava Kerala Sadas. He said, students’ participation should be subject to the rules, regulations, and court orders. This is applicable for the teachers as well. He said enquiry has been ordered into the complaints regarding the alleged violation of the rules.

Meanwhile, Malappuram DDE has issued a show cause notice to the headmaster of the Thuyyam Government Lower Primary School for parading the school kids on the roads to greet the “CM and Cabinet on Wheels.” Show cause notice is issued on the basis of media reports. Notice says that participating the kids in the programme, despite the strict NO from the DGE and District Education Officer, is a serious indiscipline. The headmaster is asked to reply in seven days.