Student humiliation controversy: Child Rights panel probes K.T. Jaleel, Bindhu Krishna weighs in

PALAKKAD: The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has registered a suo motu case against former Higher Education Minister K.T. Jaleel following allegations that he publicly insulted students during a felicitation ceremony in Mannarkkad.

The Commission has initiated a formal inquiry into the incident and dispatched the District Child Protection Officer to the site to gather details. Officials confirmed that further action will be determined immediately upon the submission of the investigation report.

Minister for Women and Child Development Bindhu Krishna strongly condemned the incident, describing Jaleel’s conduct toward the students as inappropriate and lacking in decorum. Minister Bindhu stated that subjecting children to public humiliation is unacceptable. She specifically criticised the former minister for actions such as pinching a child's ears and questioning their ability to read in front of an audience.

Bindhu Krishna emphasised that such behaviour constitutes an infringement on children's rights. The Minister further expressed disappointment that Jaleel attempted to justify his actions in a recent social media post. She urged the Communist Party of India (Marxist)—of which Jaleel is a member—to intervene and take corrective measures, asserting that children are often unaware of their rights and should be protected from such treatment in public spaces.