The Karnataka High Court dismissed on Tuesday petitions seeking permission to wear hijab in a Karnataka colleges, multiple news reports said.
The prescription of school uniform is only a reasonable restriction, constitutionally permissible which the students cannot object to, said a three-judge bench, according to PTI.
"We are of the considered opinion that wearing of Hijab by Muslim women does not form a part of essential religious practice in Islamic faith," said Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, who headed the full bench of the High Court.
"In the above circumstances, all these writ petitions being devoid of merits are liable to be and accordingly are dismissed. In view of the dismissal of the writ petition, all the pending applications fell into insignificance and are accordingly disposed of," the bench said in its order.
The petitioners, including a dozen Muslim students, had appealed that wearing the hijab was a fundamental right guaranteed under Constitution and essential practice of Islam. After eleven days of the hearing, the High Court had reserved its judgment on February 25.
The court also rejected the plea to initiate a disciplinary inquiry against the Government Pre-University Girls College in Udupi, its principal and a teacher—against who Muslim students had filed the petition.
The court, in an interim order on February 10, banned all students regardless of their religion or faith from wearing saffron shawls, scarf, hijab, religious flags or the likes within the classroom until further orders. This applied to institutions where college committees have prescribed a dress code/uniform for students, ANI reported.
The Karnataka government, anticipating protests against the verdict, had closed schools and colleges in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts on Tuesday. Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Belagavi district, Mysuru city (March 15 to 20) and Bengaluru city (March 15 to 21) beginning 6am Tuesday.
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU