Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court questioned the practice of displaying school children on the streets as a form of cheerleading for the Chief Minister and ministers during political events. Justice Ramachandran noted the potential political interests involved in such displays and emphasised that there is a distinction between involving school children in a program and parading them on the roads merely for spectacle.
While the Additional Advocate General argued that the petitioner had political interests, Justice Ramachandran countered that parading school children on the roads also holds political implications. The court sought clarification on the underlying intentions of showcasing school children in this manner.
Expressing concern, Justice Ramachandran remarked that some actions are “more royal than the kings.” He pointed out that inviting children to attend a program and listen to speeches is different from parading them on the roads as a form of entertainment.
The petitioner highlighted that despite the government’s assurance that the order of the Malappuram Deputy Director of Education had been withdrawn on November 20, children were once again paraded for the Nava Kerala Sadas. The government stated that a memorandum had been issued to the concerned Head Teacher in response.
In response, the court questioned why no action had been taken against the Deputy Director who issued the order in the first place. Emphasising that such incidents should not be repeated, the court urged authorities to exercise caution in involving school children in political events.
The Kerala High Court’s intervention serves as a reminder of the ethical considerations surrounding the participation of minors in political programmes and events. The court’s stance underscores the importance of prioritising the well-being and rights of school children over potential political motivations.
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