Karnataka HC Reviews Hijab Row Issue, CM Orders Shut Of Schools

Karnataka HC reviewed the “Hijab Row” and announced to continue the hearing tomorrow, asking to maintain peace and order in the State.

After a court hearing on February 8, the Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai announced to close schools and colleges for the next three days. Notably, the Karnataka Government’s decision of not allowing Hijab for students created a ruckus, following which five students filed a petition, demanding approval under the Indian Constitution.

Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai tweeted he has ordered all high schools and colleges to remain shut “to maintain peace and harmony”. The Karnataka High Court is hearing petitions filed by five women from a government college in Udupi, questioning hijab restrictions.

Just before the court proceedings ended today, the Chief Minister tweeted, “I appeal to all the students, teachers, and management of schools and colleges as well as people of Karnataka to maintain peace and harmony. I have ordered the closure of all high schools and colleges for the next three days. All concerned are requested to cooperate.”

Notably, The recent decision of the pre-university government college for girls to ban the hijab forced students to file a petition in the Karnataka High Court, against the recent orders of the Karnataka Government.

Rehman Farooq, a Muslim student of state-run, pre-university (PU) college for girls in Udupi, filed the petition after the students were not allowed to enter classes wearing a hijab. Opposing the decision, the student filed a writ petition seeking a declaration that wearing a hijab (headscarf) is a Fundamental Right guaranteed under Articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution of India. She further said, wearing a hijab is an essential practice of Islam. The petition was filed through Advocates Mr. Shathabish Shivanna, Mr. Arnav A. Bagalwadi, and Mr. Abhishek Janardhan.

In her plea, the student stated that the Constitution of India guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion. However, the State has a right to interfere with religious matters only if it involves an issue relating to public order, morality, and health.

The move taken by the girl came after she was denied entry into class for the past few weeks. The college authority said, wearing a hijab is a serious violation of their dress code, following which they would not be allowed in classes. The college had reportedly also banned the use of the hijab, the Urdu language, and the Arabic greeting (Salaam), recently, following which the students stood outside classrooms in protest of the college’s decision.

The principal of the college, Mr. Rudhra Gauda had earlier refused to discuss the issue with the parents. He further said students have always been removing hijab and burqa after they enter classrooms. He said that under the insistence of some groups only a few Muslim students are making this a controversial issue.

The Karnataka High Court formed a committee to look into the matter and until the decision is made, the protesting students were asked to attend online classes.

The court would continue the hearing on the 9th of February.