WC case against B Gopalakrishnan
Josephine said the commission's well stated position is that women should speak without any fear and openly.
Thiruvananthapuram: State Women’s Commission has registered suo motu case against BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan for allegedly threatening CPM leader and All-India Democratic Women’s Association state secretary P. Sathidevi during a discussion on a TV channel.
Commission chairperson M. C. Josephine said such threats against women expressing their views openly were highly condemnable. Sathidevi had unequivocally spoken about her stand on the issue of entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple. This invited the wrath of Gopalakrishnan.
Josephine said the commission’s well stated position is that women should speak without any fear and openly. “There is no need to curb the democratic rights of women and freedom of expression. It is not surprising to find people who consider women's voice as inappropriate, taking such harsh position,” she said.
The commission said that women organisations stood for the freedom and rights of women. It is the responsibility of Sathidevi who is an important office-bearer of a leading women’s organisation to speak for women's rights.
Josephine said under these circumstances the threat needs to be taken seriously. Further action into the complaint will be taken at the earliest, she added.
Meanwhile, commission member Shahida Kamal gave a statement before first class magistrate court Paravoor in connection with the attack on her by a section of hartal supporters on September 10. The attack took place at Pathanapuram .A case was registered against 25 persons.