Kerala headmistress barred from school gate for wearing churidar instead of saree

HM Sindhu S Nair staged a sit-in protest in front of the school

KOLLAM: An aided school headmistress was barred from entering her workplace allegedly for wearing a churidar, prompting police intervention and protests by teachers’ organisations on Wednesday.The incident occurred at EVHSS, Neduvathur, in Kottarakkara, around 8.45 am when headmistress Sindhu S Nair was stopped at the gate following instructions from the school manager, K Suresh Kumar, who insisted that she wear a saree to work.According to the complaint, the manager had earlier directed the gate watcher not to allow the headmistress to enter the campus if she came wearing a churidar, despite govt orders permitting teachers to wear such attire. When Sindhu arrived at the school in an autorickshaw carrying eggs and other supplies for the midday meal scheme, the gatekeeper refused to open the gate, citing the manager’s instructions.In protest, Sindhu sat in front of the school gate with the supplies. Even after students and staff arrived, she was not allowed to enter. PTA president T Ajith Kumar and other members reached the spot around 9.30am. Following this, police personnel, including pink police, arrived, held discussions with her and later escorted her to the school office.While classes were not disrupted, news of the incident spread quickly, triggering protests by teachers’ unions and political organizations, who termed the action illegal and discriminatory. She has filed a complaint with the Kottarakkara police against Kumar and temporary security guard Shashankan, accusing them of obstructing her from performing official duties and insulting a public servant. She has also stated that she would approach higher education authorities seeking departmental action.Meanwhile, district education officer said that no formal complaint has so far been received from the headmistress. “Action will be taken as per rules once a written complaint is submitted,” the office said.Past complaints against managerSindhu alleged that the manager has been repeatedly harassing her. Two months ago, she was reportedly stopped at the school gate while leaving for election-related training, despite her movement being officially recorded. She also alleged that multiple memos were issued to her on frivolous grounds.There have been previous controversies involving the manager, including cases related to misconduct towards staff members. In one instance in the past, a court had penalized him for indecent behaviour towards a female employee, she alleged.