Niba Naaz, a student who was not among the five who originally petitioned against the hijab restriction, has challenged the decision in the Supreme Court.
Digital Desk: The Hijab is not an essential religious practice, according to the Karnataka High Court, which upheld a ban on hijabs in classrooms on Tuesday, weeks after violent protests against the restriction in several parts of the state.
Niba Naaz, a student who was not one of the five students who originally petitioned against the hijab ban, has challenged the order at the Supreme Court.
The Karnataka High Court refused to overturn the state government's ban and dismissed the students' petitions, saying, "We are of the considered opinion that wearing hijab by Muslim women does not form a part of important religious practice in the Islamic religion."
The Karnataka government issued an order on February 5 banning clothing from schools and universities that "disturb equality, integrity, and public order."
The High Court upheld the decision, saying that wearing a school uniform is a legitimate restriction to which pupils cannot object.
According to the ruling, schools had valid grounds to implement dress standards prohibiting the Hijab from preventing religious and other divisions.
"The regulation's goal is to create a safe space,' and egalitarian ideas should be abundantly evident to all pupils," it stated.
"The right to practice our religion is guaranteed by the constitution. We are shocked since we had hoped for so much. We will not attend college if we do not wear the Hijab. "The girls assured reporters that they would appeal the decision.
The students informed the court that wearing the Hijab is a fundamental right granted by India's constitution and integral practice.
For a week, the government had banned mass gatherings in towns like Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Shivamogga, anticipating tension. In Udupi, where the protests began in December, schools and institutions are closed today.
Last month, the Karnataka High Court temporarily outlawed religious clothing, including Hijab and saffron scarves, when the controversy erupted into protests and a brawl between different student groups.
Students at a school in Udupi claimed that they had been barred from entering class wearing headscarves for the first time in years, sparking a considerable hijab dispute. As the limitations were imposed on more universities, saffron-clad students launched counter-protests.
The state's ruling BJP has disputed allegations that it targets Muslim pupils and attempts to divide communities. According to party leaders, religious symbols should not be tolerated in centers of learning.
"I am pleased with the court's ruling. But, I ask everyone to move on with the state and country and keep the peace by accepting the High Court order. Students' primary task is to study. So, putting all of that aside, they should look and work together, "Pralhad Joshi, a Union Minister, remarked in Delhi.
Leave A Comment