Karnataka Hijab Row: HC upholds hijab ban in educational institutions, students to approach SC

Students in the contentious Udupi college will now contest the order in the Supreme Court. Read further to know more.

Soon after the Karnataka High Court announced its verdict on hijab row, people took to social media platforms to showcase their disapproval.  Anas Tanwir, a Supreme Court lawyer, tweeted that students in Udupi college will approach the Supreme Court. “Met my clients in Hijab matter in Udupi. Moving to SC soon InshaAllah. These girls will continue their education while exercising their rights to wear Hijab. These girls have not lost hope in Courts and Constitution (sic),” he tweeted.

Also Read: Karnataka Hijab Row: HC dismisses pleas challenging Hijab ban in education institutions

One of the petitioners in Hijab Row case, senior Advocate AM Dhar also said that "wearing Hijab is an essential practice in Islam. Karnataka HC's verdict on Hijab is a bad judgment. We'll challenge the judgment before Supreme Court. We hope that justice will prevail in the Supreme Court."

Karnataka Hijab Row: Verdict

The questions raised were whether wearing hijab is an essential religious practice under the Islamic faith protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution; whether the prescription of school uniform is a violation of the student’s rights under articles 19 (A) (freedom of expression) and 21 (right to privacy); and the government order dated February 5, “issued without application of mind with manifestly arbitrary”.

HC bench also upholds the February 5, 2022 government order pertaining to dress code issued by the state government. Students can't object to uniform, ruled Karnataka high court.

The three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justices Krishna S Dixit and JM Khazi on Tuesday dismissed all petitions related to the hijab case.  HC in its verdict said that wearing of hijab by Muslim women doesn't form an essential religious practice under the Islamic faith, as stated by Live Law.

Karnataka education minister BC Nagesh hailed the verdict and tweeted, “I welcome the landmark judgement of Hon’ble Karnataka High Court on School/College uniform Rules. It reiterated that the law of the land is above everything.

Read More:

• Hijab Row: Students entry restricted, dress code notice released
• Karnataka Hijab Row: HC ruling today, Section 144 imposed in parts of state