Kerala minister irked by official's 'staring at a woman' comments

Kochi: A top Kerala official's comments that staring "annoyingly" at a woman for 14 seconds can land a man in jail as per certain sections of law has gone viral on social media with a state minister terming them "irritating".

EP Jayarajan and Rishiraj Singh

"There are sections in law to jail a man for annoyingly staring at a woman for 14 seconds. Please use it (the provisions in the law), if it is the case," State Excise Commissioner Rishiraj Singh said.

While Singh's words drew varied reactions on social media, Kerala Sports Minister E P Jayarajan said, "The remarks are irritating. If a bureaucrat makes remarks which are not in law, certainly the minister concerned will examine it and necessary steps will be taken."

Singh's comments drew humorous reactions on social media, with jokes such as - ."What will happen if a man blinks while staring at her continuously for 14 seconds?...