PIL is a reflection of patriarchal ideas & prejudices: Kanupriya

Chandigarh, December 5 

Responding to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court against relaxation in hostel timings, Panjab University Campus Students’ Council president Kanupriya said, “Reasons cited in PIL like that of abduction and sexual harassment if timings are changed are nothing else, but a reflection of already prevalent patriarchal ideas and prejudices.” 

“University and institutions have to make sure that such unlawful activities don’t happen at all times, but linking it to hostel timings is extremely regressive,” she added.

“I am thankful to honorable Chief Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Arun Palli for giving me a chance to present my views. So, I will go well-prepared as I’m well aware that I am not only me, but representing the entire student community of the PU against gender biases prevalent in hostel timings of the university and patriarchy at large,” she said.

“Moreover, I’m also confident as our fight is constitutionally and legally correct as the Constitution of India guarantees no discrimination based on gender. The questioning of amendments in hostel rules book by the petitioner is vague and baseless as the PU is an autonomous body and has the power to alter its rules anytime through  Syndicate and Senate,” she said. — TNS