The Kerala High Court has stepped in to rescue the dreams of a young dancer. A 16-year-old student can now compete in the State School Kalolsavam today. This follows a court order that acknowledged a technical failure during her earlier performance.
Court Recognizes Unfair Disadvantage
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas heard the girl's plea on January 13. The teen argued that a power cut lasting 32 seconds ruined her Kuchipudi performance at the district level. This incident placed her in fifth position. She missed the top spot because of this unforeseen disruption.
The Incident During Performance
While the petitioner danced on stage, the lights suddenly went out. The music stopped playing as well. She continued her routine in darkness and silence. However, the judges did not allow her a second chance to perform properly after power was restored.
The court noted this clearly in its observation. "It is evident that while the petitioner was performing, there was a power failure," the order stated. "The music did not play, and the lights went off. Though the petitioner continued to dance without the music or the lights, she was admittedly not given a second chance to perform."
Loss of Confidence Affected Evaluation
Justice Thomas considered the psychological impact of the situation. He pointed out that the power failure could have shaken the dancer's confidence. This likely affected her overall performance. The court found she was placed at an unequal position compared to other participants.
"Despite the girl continuing to dance, even when the power failure occurred, there could possibly have been a loss of confidence affecting the performance," the court held. This rendered her at a disadvantage during the evaluation process.
Background of the Case
The case originated from the Thiruvananthapuram District School Kalolsavam 2025-26. The 16-year-old participated in the Kuchipudi (Girls) event. After receiving fifth place, she filed an objection with the education department on January 12. She claimed her performance was excellent and deserved first place with an A grade.
The department rejected her plea. Officials acknowledged the 32-second power cut but argued it did not affect her performance. They reviewed score sheets, the stage manager's report, video footage, and evaluation sheets before making their decision.
Legal Arguments Presented
Advocates Rajesh Kannan and Praveen N Pillai represented the petitioner. They contended that the 32-second power failure would have impacted the student's morale and confidence. This inevitably affected her performance quality. The faulty evaluation by panel judges needed correction.
The lawyers emphasized she received no fair evaluation. The authorities did not grant her a second chance to perform after power returned. This constituted an unfair assessment process.
The state's response acknowledged the technical issue. Officials confirmed the sound system worked properly throughout the competition except during this particular performance. They attributed the problem to unforeseen events rather than wilful negligence.
Court's Decision and Relief
Justice Thomas quashed the education department's rejection order. He permitted the petitioner to participate in the Kuchipudi (Girls) HSS General category. The State School Kalolsavam commences from January 14.
The court recognized that the technical defect was not attributable to the dancer herself. Since her performance could have been affected by this external factor, she deserved another opportunity. The ruling ensures she can now showcase her talent on the state platform without the shadow of that unfortunate power interruption.
This judgment highlights the judiciary's role in ensuring fair opportunities for young artists. It acknowledges how unexpected technical failures can undermine years of preparation and dedication. The court's intervention has given this talented dancer the second chance she rightfully deserved.
