Archaic Concepts On Masculinity Have Changed: Kerala HC On Harassment

The Kerala High Court observed that how a man treats a woman gives insight into his upbringing and personality. The court also made observations regarding what needs to change in the manner in which boys are raised to address the rising number of cases of sexual harassment involving students.

The Kerala High Court said lessons in good behaviour and etiquette should become part of the curriculum from the Primary class level.

The court was considering a plea filed by a 24-year-old man who allegedly misbehaved and groped girl students on the college campus. He claimed that he was not heard by the college authorities, including the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and the Principal before action was taken against him.

The court directed the college to form the panel within two weeks and hear the petitioner and any other affected persons before a final decision was taken.

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Kerala HC On Harassment

Justice Devan Ramachandran spoke about sexism, harassment, and consent. He said, "Boys must know that they should not touch a girl/woman without her explicit consent". Ramachandran added that they must understand that "'No' means 'No'".

The judge said, "The archaic concepts of masculinity have changed - it needs to change more".

Ramachandran also said that sexism is not "acceptable or cool".

The court noted that the current educational system does not focus enough on character building and solely focuses on academic results and employability. Justice Ramachandran said that children need to be taught that they "must respect the other children".

Ramachandran added, "They should be taught that real men don't bully women" and added that it was not an "expression of macho virtue, but its antithesis". He also said, "It is, in fact, the weak men who dominate and harass women, this message must ring loud and clear".

The judge also directed the Secretaries of the General Education and Higher Education Departments, Boards like CBSE, ICSE, and others to take necessary actions based on the observations and listed the matter for further hearing on February 2.