Yet another controversy has arisen over a demand for a separate space for namaz at a Catholic-run educational institution in Kerala. This latest incident occurred at Paingottoor St Joseph Higher Secondary School in Kothamangalam taluk, Ernakulam district.
Fr. Jacob Rathapillil, director of the Jagratha Commission of the Eparchy of Kothamangalam, remarked that it resembled the earlier Nirmala College incident.
He said, “It so happened that a school teacher happened to come across two female students of Class XII offering namaz inside a classroom. The teacher called the students and told them that it was not allowed in the school. However, the students argued that they were just offering the namaz and had not demanded a separate space for it.”
The teacher initially addressed the incident by warning the students not to repeat it. However, the very next day, one of the students was again found offering namaz. Consequently, the teacher sent the student to the principal’s office and called the student’s parents.
“Though the parents argued, they listened to reason and promised to not escalate the issue. The student was also directed to notify the same to the other student who was absent on the said day. However, on the next day, the other student who had been absent earlier was found offering namaz against the direction of the principal,” said Fr Rathapillil. The director of the Jagratha Commission noted that tensions escalated when the student’s parents were called.
The parents argued that coming from a conservative Muslim family, daily namaz was a crucial practice for them. They insisted that their child would continue this practice. “When the management clarified its position based on Kerala’s public education laws and the Constitution’s provisions for minority rights, the parents adopted a threatening stance. They stated that if their child was not permitted to offer namaz at school, they would personally pick her up each day to take her to the mosque,” said Fr Rathapillil.
He stated that the principal denied permission, referencing the Kerala Education Rules (KER), which stipulate that worship time in public schools is permitted only until 2 pm on Fridays for Muslim students.
“This facility can be used by children. Other non-statutory arrangements and permission to leave regularly cannot be given in Christian-managed educational institutions as it affects the school’s general schedule, discipline and children’s safety,” he added.
A meeting was convened with the student’s parents, representatives from the KCBC Jagratha Commission, and members of the diocese to discuss the issue. “However, during the meeting, the parent remained hostile and threatened to escalate the matter to higher authorities,” said Fr Rathapillil.
Biju Parayannilam, president of the Catholic Congress, supported the principal’s decision to refuse the demand, stating it would have disrupted the school’s discipline. “Students are permitted to attend namaz on Fridays. Following discussions, one parent agreed to adhere to the school’s decision, but the other remains steadfast,” he said.
Upon learning about the incident, Vicar General Monsignor Pius Malekandathil and the Catholic Congress strongly opposed the demand and expressed their support for the school.
A comparable situation occurred on July 29 at Nirmala College in Muvattupuzha, where a group of female students requested the principal to provide a space for namaz on Fridays, as the mosque lacked a separate area for women.
Fr Rathapillil said, “The position of Catholic management schools on this issue has always been legitimate and clear. As religious minority institutions, Catholic educational institutions are guaranteed the right to legal protection of Christian faith, culture and heritage.” In a joint statement, the Catholic Congress and the Kothamangalam Diocese Vigilance Committee said that any kind of intrusion aiming to destroy the religious harmony, peaceful atmosphere and discipline in the schools will not be accepted.
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