Karnataka HC upholds hijab ban, Owaisi disagrees with judgment, BJP welcomes

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday upheld the hijab ban and dismissed various petitions filed by Muslim students challenging the ban on hijab in educational institutions in the state.

The court ruled that the Hijab is not an essential Religious Practice in the Islamic faith and thus is not protected under Article 25 of the Constitution. Hence, the court said that wearing a hijab is not a constitutionally protected right that could overrule the official dress code. "Prescription of school uniform is only a reasonable restriction, constitutionally permissible which students cannot object to," the court said in its hearing.

Hyderabad-based All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asasuddin Owaisi said that he disagrees with the Karnataka High Court's judgment on Hijab. "Banning headscarf definitely harms devout Muslim women and their families as it prevents them from accessing education," the tweet read.

"When Ireland's govt changed the rules for police uniforms to allow hijab and Sikh turban, the Modi govt welcomed it. So why double standards at home & abroad? Hijab and turbans of the uniform's colors can be allowed to be worn," he questioned. He further said the GO and HC order suspends the fundamental rights.

"I hope this judgment will not be used to legitimize the harassment of hijab-wearing women. One can only hope and eventually be disappointed when this starts happening to hijab-wearing women in banks, hospitals, public transport, etc," Owaisi said in his tweet.

On the other hand, Telangana BJP welcomes Karnataka HC's verdict on the Hijab row. "BJP believes Schools and colleges should not be exhibition grounds for flashing one's religious fervor. Especially those religious practices which limit individual freedoms, liberty and constitutional rights of the people of India," said K.Krishna Sagar Rao, Chief Spokesperson of BJP, Telangana.

Hijab Row Timeline

The Hijab Row began n December 27, 2021, when six women from a PU College in Udupi began protesting for their right to wear a hijab after they were barred from attending classes for wearing a hijab. A petition was filed by some students seeking a solution for the same.

In January, anti-hijab protests gained momentum in several parts of Karnataka and other places including Hyderabad.

On February 5, 2022, the Karnataka Government ordered a ban on wearing clothes that 'disturb equality, integrity and public order.'

The protests continued with more intensity in several parts of Karnataka as a response to which Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai ordered all high schools and colleges to remain shut for three days.

On February 10, the Karnataka High Court passed an interim order allowing the colleges to open by that no student should insist on wearing 'religious clothes' until the court resolves the matter.

On March 15, the HC dismissed the petition filed by Muslim girls, effectively upholding the ban on hijab.