Karnataka Hijab Row: The Hijab is not an essential religious practice of Islam, the Karnataka High Court said in the Hijab row verdict. Now, this case is likely to go to the Supreme Court.
Karnataka Hijab Row: The Hijab is not an essential religious practice of Islam, the Karnataka High Court said in the Hijab row verdict. Muslim women had filed a petition in the Court when they were barred to enter in the classroom with hijab.
Now, this case is likely to go to the Supreme Court.
Before this verdict, several schools and colleges were closed in Bengaluru and gatherings were also banned to maintain peace and order in the state.
“Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka has upheld the order of Govt. on prescription of school uniform. It’s our foremost duty as citizens to obey the rule of law. Education is so important. I request one & all to allow students to pursue their education & maintain peace & order,” Karnataka Chief Minister Basvaraj Bommai tweeted.
The Karnataka hijab row was erupted in January when the hijab-wearing muslim girls were denied entry in the government college of Udupi district. Then, muslim girls protested outside the college.
Hijab was also banned in several other schools and colleges and the karnataka hijab row spread all over the state. Hindu students protested against hijab and they started wearing saffron shawls, which is considered a symbol of Hindus.
State government had said to wear the uniform as prescribed by the schools. Wear the hijab outside the schools or colleges but strictly wear the uniform in the classrooms.
Soon, the case went to the Karnataka High Court. Dozen of muslim women filed a plea against the ban of hijab in the classrooms. Schools and colleges were also shut down for some days due to the agitation in the state.
On february 9, High Court said in this case that not to wear headscarves, saffron shawls or any other religious cloth which disturb equality, integrity and public order in schools or colleges until the final verdict comes.
As a result, muslim women stopped attending schools and colleges and refused to give any exam. Petitioners had told the High Court that wearing the hijab is a fundamental right guaranteed under Indian Constitution. The Court didn’t accept this argument.
“I welcome the decision of Karnataka High Court on Hijab. We all should follow this decision without any politics. I appeal to all the people to maintain an atmosphere of peace in the state without giving any religious color to this issue so that the students can study peacefully,” Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said.