Karnataka Hijab Row Intensifies, Students Refuse To Give Exams Over Hijab Ban. Plea In HC To Defer Hearing Amid Assembly Polls
We’re all aware of the Karnataka hijab row and how it has turned into a communal and political issue. In a new update, the lawyer representing the petitioner in the hijab row case filed an application urging the Karnataka High Court to adjourn the hearing of the case till 28 February. In his application, the counsel for the petitioner Ayesha Almas and four others has stated that the political parties are using the Karnataka hijab row to pit communities against each other for their electoral goals in the ongoing elections in five states including Uttar Pradesh. The application further states that any mischievous act could ‘stoke communal division’.
The fact is that the Karnataka hijab row has found its way to the speeches of political figures amid the Assembly polls. Several leaders including Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as well as MP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief, Asaduddin Owaisi have commented on the matter. While Yogi Adityanath supported the dress code and said that India shall be run by the Indian Constitution and now by Islamic law, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi supported the Muslim students and their right to chose what they want to wear. Asaduddin Owaisi also supported the Muslim students.
On the other hand, the Karnataka hijab row continues to intensify as schools in Udipi and Shivamogga districts were barred from writing their exams while wearing hijabs but the students chose to not write their exams instead of removing their headscarves. Apart from this, a parent told NDTV that the students were also made to sit in a separate room from the ones who don’t wear hijabs but the authorities have denied the allegations. Another parent told the news channel that their child was threatened with police action to remove her hijab. “School said ‘those in hijab sit outside, those without attend classes’,” said a parent. Speaking further another parent told NDTV, “Our children want to wear the hijab and they want an education. Hindu students wear vermilion… Christian students wear a rosary (so) what is wrong if our children wear the hijab?” Several other parents also made similar allegations of school authorities threatening their wards with police action.
Also Read: Hijab Row Petitioners Request Permission To Wear Headscarves Of Same Colour As Uniform
Karnataka hijab row began with one educational institute banning students from wearing hijabs and then turned into protests and since then it has snowballed into a bigger issue. In fact, the Supreme Court has also been approached in the matter. As on date, the matter is in the Karnataka High Court. The next hearing is will be on Wednesday, 16 February.
