Published Sep 17, 2026 | 5:37 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 17, 2026 | 5:40 PM
Schools should give priority to children's academic and personality development rather than their physical appearance, it said.
Synopsis: The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has said boys and children whose gender had not been specified cannot be harassed or discriminated against for keeping their hair long. It said children could choose their hairstyle, subject to basic hygiene and safety requirements. The commission, which considered two petitions on the issue, has directed authorities to frame guidelines after hearing children and submit an action-taken report within 45 days.
Boys and children whose gender had not been specified cannot be harassed, excluded from classes or discriminated against merely for keeping their hair long, the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has said.
In an order, the commission said children had the right to choose their hairstyle and dress according to their preferences. Schools should not impose punitive measures, subject students to mental harassment or treat them differently because of their hair length.
Schools should give priority to children’s academic and personality development rather than their physical appearance, it said.
The order followed two petitions. The first, by Indu Menon of Ramanattukara, alleged that boys in schools claiming to follow gender-neutral practices were being discriminated against for keeping long hair. The other was filed by the principal of Sacred Heart English Medium School, Kottakkal, concerning a Class XI boy who repeatedly refused to cut his hair despite being asked to do so.
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Commission member P Shajesh Bhaskar, while passing orders on the petitions, said children had the freedom to grow and groom their hair according to their choice, subject to basic hygiene and safety requirements.
The commission said hair should be kept clean and should not obstruct the eyes or face. It should be tied or secured with a hairband during laboratory work, sports and practical classes. The use of harmful chemicals or dyes on hair was also discouraged.
The commission noted that neither the General Education Department nor the CBSE appeared to have specific guidelines on the issue and directed the authorities to urgently formulate appropriate norms.
The committee preparing the guidelines must include boys and children whose gender had not been specified and hear their views before finalising them, the commission said.
It has sought a report on the action taken on its recommendations within 45 days.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
