Karnataka High Court dismisses various petitions challenging ban on Hijab in education institutions

New Delhi: Karnataka High Court on Tuesday ruled out that wearing hijab not part of essential religious practices, students cannot object to reasonable restrictions in uniforms. 

Karnataka High Court also dismissed various petitions challenging a ban on Hijab in education institutions.

Earlier, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code have been imposed in Udipi, Shivamogga and Kalburagi among other districts of the state.

The Hijab row had erupted in January this year when the Government PU College in Udupi allegedly barred six girls wearing the hijab from entering. Following this the girls sat in protest sat outside college over being denied entry.

After this, boys of several colleges in Udupi started attending classes wearing saffron scarves. This protest spread to other parts of the state as well leading to protests and agitations in several places in Karnataka.

As a result the Karnataka government said that all students must adhere to the uniform and banned both hijab and saffron scarfs till an expert committee decides on the issue. On February 5, the pre-University education board released a circular stating that the students can only wear the uniform approved by the school administration and no other religious attire will be allowed in colleges.

The order stated that in case a uniform is not prescribed by management committees, then students should wear dresses that go well with the idea of equality and unity, and does not disturb the social order.