Karnataka High Court Upholds Hijab Ban, Says It’s Not A Violation Of The Rights Of The Students
Over the last few months, the hijab row has been making headlines. Up until now, the case was in court but earlier today the Karnataka High Court pronounced its verdict in the case. A full bench of the Karnataka High Court comprising Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S Dixit and Justice JM Khazi delivered the verdict upholding the hijab ban in educational institutes. Pronouncing the verdict, CJ Ritu Raj Awasthi declared that educational institutes have the right to prescribe uniforms while upholding the ban and dismissing the writ petitions filed by Muslim students seeking permission to wear hijabs in schools and colleges. The full bench of the high court further held that prescribing school uniforms is a reasonable restriction put by the State and is not violative of the rights of the students.
"The way, hijab imbroglio unfolded gives scope for the argument that some ‘unseen hands’ are at work to engineer social unrest and disharmony," Karnataka High Court in its order.
— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2022
Hijab Row | No case is made out for invalidating the Government Order of February 5, says Karnataka High Court
— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2022
While considering the case, the Karnataka High Court considered questions like whether the hijab is an essential religious practise under Islam or if it’s against the right to freedom of expression and right to privacy. Soon after the verdict was announced, the Karnataka Chief Minister Bommai urged the citizens to cooperate and maintain peace while appealing to the community leaders and teachers to ensure that peace is maintained. He added that peace is ‘essential for all stakeholders to help the government implement this order’. He further added that the Home department will take whatever action necessary. On the other hand, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi welcomed the Court’s decision and appealed to everyone across the country to maintain peace and accept the order of the High Court. “The basic work of students is to study. So leaving all this aside they should study and be united,” said the Union Minister.
I'm happy that govt's stand has been upheld by Karnataka High Court. I request to the girls who went to the court should follow the judgment, education is more important than any other things: Karnataka Education Minister BC Nagesh on Karnataka High Court verdict on Hijab row pic.twitter.com/6S5ii8uZi5
— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2022
A section of society was trying to deprive Muslim girls of embracing education & modernity… going in appeal is people's right & they may do so, however… it's necessary for all parties to follow the order of the court, both in letter & spirit: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya
— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2022
Also Read: Twinkle Khanna On The Ongoing Hijab Row Controversy, Says Arguments Of Religious Leaders Defending Hijab Makes Her Chuckle
Ahead of Karnataka High Court’s decision, the Bengaluru police imposed prohibitory orders in the city from March 15 to 21. As per the orders, all types of gatherings, agitation, protests or celebrations in public places is banned. Earlier, the Dakshina Kannada administration ordered the closure of schools and colleges on March 15 while adding that all internal exams of educational institutes will be postponed but the external exams will take place. After a marathon hearing that commenced on February 10, the Karnataka High Court had reserved its order on February 25. As of now, media reports suggest that the petitioners will be filing an appeal challenging the High Court order on the hijab ban in the Supreme Court.
