SILENCING CONVERSATIONS: THE FLAWED LOGIC OF LIMITING GENDER INTERACTIONS IN SCHOOLS

Abstract

The practice of restricting interactions between male and female students within educational institutions, despite their co-educational nature, presents a significant challenge to the holistic development of individuals. This paper argues that such limitations imposed by schools and colleges are deeply flawed, constituting a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression enshrined under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. Beyond the curtailment of fundamental rights, these restrictions hinder students' social development, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and their preparation for future personal and professional relationships in a gender-integrated world. Through a combination of doctrinal legal research, socio-legal analysis of academic literature, and a critical evaluation of institutional justifications, this paper demonstrates the detrimental effects of limiting gender interactions. It further proposes recommendations for fostering healthy and respectful gender interactions within educational settings to ensure the comprehensive development and constitutional rights of all students are upheld.

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