Hijab issue | Karnataka High Court to pass interim order; no ‘religious dress’ can be worn by students until then

 Hijab issue | Karnataka High Court to pass interim order; no ‘religious dress’ can be worn by students until then

Indicating that it will pass an interim order, the High Court of Karnataka on Thursday adjourned to February 14 further hearing on the petitions questioning the ban on wearing hijab (headscarf) by Muslim girl students on college premises.

A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S. Dixit and Justice Jaibunnisa M. Khazi indicated that it will pass an interim order to be abided by all the students and stakeholders till the court decides the issue on whether wearing of hijab is an essential religious practice, and whether it is covered under the right of freedom to religion guaranteed in the Constitution.

“We are ready to decide the issue at the earliest. But we feel that peace and tranquility should be restored. Till decision, you should not insist for wearing these religious clothes which are not conducive,” the Chief Justice said.

“This will amount to suspension of our rights. That will be a total affront to their rights. We are told to choose between food and water and both are essential,” objected senior advocate Devadatt Kamat. But the Chief Justice responded, “It is a matter of few days. Please cooperate,” adding, “We will restrain everyone from adopting religious practices while we are hearing.”

Following the High Court's directions, the Karnataka government on Thursday decided to resume classes for high school students up to class 10 from February 14, and for Pre-University and Degree Colleges thereafter.

The decision was arrived at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai with Ministers of Home, Primary and Secondary Education, Higher Education Departments, and senior officials.

“The three-judge bench has said that they will hear the case on a day-to-day basis and that everyone should maintain peace, and not to wear religious dress at colleges until then (order). They have also given instruction for reopening of educational institutions,” Bommai said.

“It has been decided that high school classes up to class 10 will start functioning from Monday and in the second stage PUC and degree colleges will start, the dates will be announced in the due course,” he said.