Kerala Minister Criticises Muslim Leader's

Kerala's Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna has criticised a directive from a prominent Muslim leader that seeks to restrict women's participation in public religious events. The Minister said on Monday, August 31, 2026, that such a position pushes women "centuries back" and is unacceptable in a society guaranteeing equal rights.

Minister Bindu Krishna was responding to a circular issued the previous week by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, an Islamic scholarly body. The organisation's general secretary, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, had urged affiliated mosques and madrasas to ensure religious programmes follow Islamic norms.

Minister's Rejection of Restrictions

Bindu Krishna argued that the Constitution guarantees equal rights regardless of gender. She stated that people have the right to live a free and liberal life. "Our women are free to move. They are capable of leading," the Minister said. She emphasised that women are part of society and that statements seeking to confine them cannot be accepted.

Her criticism focused on the circular's specific advice regarding women's participation. The directive asked that women not be allowed to mix with men on stages or in public spaces during religious celebrations. It also advised against incorporating customs from other cultures into Islamic festivals.

Broader Political and Social Criticism

The circular has drawn criticism from several leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and women's organisations. Former MP and Minister P.K. Sreemathy criticised its language and called for its withdrawal. Another former Minister, K.K. Shailaja, labelled the idea of keeping women confined to the home as "a feudal practice."

Shailaja added that such a position was not appropriate for an organisation that runs educational and social service institutions. Leaders from the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) and the Students Federation of India (SFI) have also criticised the directive.

Samastha's Defence of the Circular

In response to the criticism, the Samastha organisation has defended its circular. A spokesperson stated that it "introduced nothing new" and was intended only as guidance for its followers. The organisation framed the directive as a response to changing celebration patterns.

The circular was reportedly issued against the backdrop of evolving celebrations for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Traditionally held around mosques and madrasas, these events have in some areas expanded into larger public gatherings organised by youth clubs. The Samastha leadership expressed concern over the conduct of such events, particularly the participation of women in programmes held in public spaces.

Critics have portrayed the organisation's stance as anti-woman. They argue that restrictions on women's participation and movement in public life are inconsistent with principles of gender equality. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between religious norms and evolving social practices in the state.