Twitter Divided After Karnataka HC Upholds Ban On Hijabs In Schools & Colleges

A controversy regarding students wearing hijabs began in January after a few female students in Udupi were stopped from entering class because of their headscarves. Following this, many students and teachers were restricted from entering school and college premises in various parts of Karnataka, videos of which went viral. Following a nationwide outcry against the issue, the Karnataka High Court imposed a temporary ban on “all religious outfits” in educational institutes as it heard petitions challenging the restrictions, reports NDTV.

Today, the Karnataka High Court upheld the hijab ban and dismissed various petitions challenging a ban on hijabs in educational institutions in the state, reports The Indian Express.

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“We are of the considered opinion that wearing of hijab by Muslim women does not form a part of essential religious practice. The object of prescribing uniform will be defeated if there is non-uniformity in the matter of uniforms. Youth is an impressionable period when identity & opinion begin to crystallize. Young students are able to readily grasp from their immediate environment. differentiating lines of race, region, religion, language, caste, place of birth, etc. The aim of the regulation is to create a ‘safe space’ where such divisive lines should have no place and the ideals of egalitarianism should be readily apparent to all students alike,” the HC said.

Here’s a look at a few other important statements made by the High Court:

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This judgement by the Karnataka High Court left desi Twitter divided. On one hand, some called it an attack on a woman’s choice of clothing and education, as this could supposedly lead to hijabi girls dropping out of institutes.

On the other hand, several others lauded the judgement as it would supposedly work towards undoing the social divide amongst students.

What are your views on the Karnataka High Court’s judgement? Tell us.

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