Hijab Row Verdict: Karnataka HC upholds ban on Hijab in educational institutions, Says ‘Not An Essential Religious Practice’

On Tuesday, the State High Court delivered an important verdict on the Karnataka hijab controversy. The court has dismissed petitions challenging the decision to ban the hijab in schools and colleges by saying that “It is not an essential religious practice”.

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a petition filed by several Udupi girl students who sought permission to wear hijabs in schools. The court said that the students cannot refuse to wear their school uniforms.

Ahead of the High Court’s decision, tight security arrangements have been made across the state. In Koppal, Gadag, Kalaburagi, Davangere, Hassan, Shivamogga, Belgaum, Chikkaballapur, Bangalore, and Dharwad districts schools and colleges have been closed. The security of the High Court judge’s residence has also been increased. Section 144 has also been imposed in several parts of the state.

Politicial Reaction

At the same time, reactions to the court’s decision have started coming in. Former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said she is deeply disappointed by the Karnataka HC’s decision.

While Telangana Assembly member T. Raja Singh has welcomed the decision, saying that the school is for education and not for religious practices.

What is Hijab Controversy?

The hijab controversy started in October 2021 when some girl students of a government college in Udupi, Karnataka, started demanding to wear hijab.

After this, on December 31, six girl students were not allowed to enter the college because they were wearing hijab. In opposition to this, the girl students protested outside the college.

After this, the college administration had a meeting with the girl students along with their parents and officials on January 19, 2022.

On February 3, some girl students who came to PU College wearing hijab were stopped again. But on February 5, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi came in support of Muslim girls and the girl students went to the Karnataka High Court.