After months of upheaval, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, 15 March, upheld the ban on Muslim girls wearing a hijab with the uniform in schools and colleges.
Dismissing the writ petitions filed by Muslim girl students seeking permission to wear hijab in colleges, the court said that hijab is not part of Essential Religious Practice and that no compelling case was made out for invalidating the government order against it.
Soon after the verdict, CM Basavaraj Bommai asked all to maintain “peace and order” and allow students to attend classes. "Education is more important than anything else," he said.
Later, a plea was moved in the Supreme Court challenging the high court order.
Swipe for highlights of the Karnataka HC judgment:
The high court held that the Karnataka government had the power to pass the order it did on 5 February stating that students would have to wear prescribed uniforms
The court also dismissed demands for disciplinary inquiries against school authorities which had denied entry to Muslim girls for failing to wear uniforms
After the verdict, Karnataka Education minister BC Nagesh said that shortfalls of the Education Act will be set right to standardise uniforms soon
All types of gatherings, agitations, protests, or celebrations in public places are prohibited in Bengaluru for one week from 15 March to 21 March
Schools and colleges being closed across several districts.
Section 144 has been imposed in Bengaluru, Udupi, Belgavi, Davanagere, Hassan, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga
Verdict Proves ‘Constitution Is Supreme Over Religion’: Former Karnataka CM
Former Karnatakachief minister BS Yediyurappa has said that Karnataka High Court's verdict on the hijab row proves that India's Constitution is supreme over religion and its beliefs, PTI reported.
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‘Will Have Adverse Impact on Religious Freedom & Education’: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind
Prominent Muslim body Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind expressed deep disappointment over Karnataka High Cour's decision of upholding ban on hijab in educational institutions in the state.
The Muslim boy added that the verdict would have adverse impact on religious freedom as well as the education of Muslim girls.
Schools and Colleges To Be Re-opened in Udupi Tomorrow: Deputy Commissioner
Schools and colleges will be re-opened on Wednesday, 16 March, in the Udupi district, Deputy Commissioner of the district has said.
However, imposition of section 144 will continue till 21 March, with restrictions on processions, celebrations, and protests.
High Court Order Challenged in Supreme COurt
Following the verdict by the Karnataka High Corut, a plea was moved in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, challenging the high court's order.