Hijab row: HC says no religious attire on campuses for now; classes 1-10 to resume
Categories: DAILY NEWS
Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi-led bench comprising of Justice Krishna S Dixit and Justice JM Khazi heard petitions by Muslim students against restrictions on wearing hijab. The bench decided to hear the matter again on Monday, February 14, and asked students not to wear any religious garments till the matter is pending with the court.The government meanwhile decided to open schools and colleges, closed due to protests, in a phased manner starting from Monday. Students of classes 1-10 will be allowed to attend classes and a decision regarding colleges, where the hijab issue escalated, will be taken at a later point in time. After protests in Shimoga, Bagalkot turned violent, Section 144 was imposed as pro and anti-hijab protesters pelted stones at police officials. Prohibitory orders are in place in Bengaluru and no protests are allowed near educational institutions. Here are the latest developments. Around 200 women students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) extended their "unflinching and unconditional support" to Muslim students in Karnataka, saying prohibiting women from wearing hijab reflects the "patriarchal and Islamophobic tendencies" of the state and its institutions. Pro-hijab demonstrations in front of Karnataka Bhawan in Delhi intensified and several students were detained.Advocate Hegde said, "Article 25 confers two rights. One is the freedom of conscience and the second is the freedom to practice and propagate religion. The Supreme Court has said that only essential religious practices are protected under Article 25 of the constitution. In this case, the petitioner confers their right to wear hijab on the basis of their freedom of conscience as well as their right to practice their religion." The Chief Justice said, "We will pass an order that lets the institutions start, but till the matter is pending here, no student should insist on wearing religious dress. Peace and tranquility should be maintained." The Supreme Court had refused to urgently list a plea challenging the government rule on dress code saying let the high court hear it first. As part of the first phase of reopening, students from classes 1 to 10 can attend schools. An announcement regarding the opening up of schools for classes 11 and above will be made later.Chief Minister Bommai will hold a meeting with all ministers tomorrow, February 11, at 5 pm to discuss the issue. Along with district collectors, police officials and education department officials will also be present at the meeting.