New Delhi: The Supreme Court today agreed to list pleas challenging the hijab ban order passed by Karnataka High Court. Yesterday, the Karnataka High Court had said that hijab is not an essential religious practice.
A note of submissions of senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for some students, ‘that urgent hearing was needed keeping in mind the upcoming examinations,’ was taken by a bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana.
“The urgency is that there are many girls who have to appear in examinations,” the senior lawyer told the bench which also comprised Justices A S Bopanna and Hima Kohli.
“Others also mentioned, let us see…we will list after the vacations. Give us time,” the CJI said.
A Special Leave Petition has been filed in Supreme Court challenging Karnataka High Court’s verdict over hijab. The Karnataka High Court in its verdict over hijab row on March 15 has stated that ‘wearing Hijab not an essential religious practice.’ High Court dismissed writ petitions filed by Muslims girl students, seeking permission to wear Hijab in colleges. Court holds prescription of uniform as a reasonable restriction. On this, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi appeals everyone to accept the order and maintain peace.
The special leave petition has been field by a Muslim student named Niba Naaz through Advocate-on-Record Anas Tanwir.
The Court further held that prescription of school uniform by the State is a valid restriction on the students under the student’s rights under Article 25 and thus, the Government Order issued by the Karnataka government dated February 5 is not violative.
Accordingly, the Court has dismissed the petitions filed by Muslim girl students, challenging the action of a government PU colleges in denying their entry for wearing a hijab (headscarf).
The hijab row had erupted in the month of January when the Government PU College in Udupi, didn’t allowed the students in the premises of institution. The Karnataka government intervened and said that all students must adhere to the uniform and banned both hijab and saffron scarves till an expert committee decided on the issue.
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