A local ban on wearing the hijab in classrooms was upheld by an Indian high court on Tuesday, weeks after the decree sparked violent protests and revived fears of discrimination against the country’s Muslim minority.
After a small handful of late-teenage girls were barred from wearing the item on school grounds at the end of last year, the state of Karnataka was on edge for several weeks.
Meanwhile, Pakistan expressed grave worry about the Indian court’s judgement on Tuesday, claiming that it fails to preserve the idea of religious freedom and infringes on human rights.
Following weeks of discussion, the high court of Karnataka declared that wearing the headscarf “does not form a part of basic religious practise in Islamic religion.”
According to the decision, schools had valid grounds to set dress standards prohibiting headdresses in the purpose of preventing religious and other divisions.
“The regulation’s goal is to create a’safe space,’ and egalitarian ideas should be abundantly obvious to all pupils.”
Hundreds of extra police officers were deployed across Karnataka on Monday ahead of the verdict, but by mid-afternoon, there were no signs of new protests.
One of the country’s most famous Muslim leaders, Asaduddin Owaisi, said Tuesday’s decision “suspended fundamental rights to freedom of religion” and called for a Supreme Court appeal.
14. I hope this judgement will not be used to legitimise harassment of hijab wearing women. One can only hope and eventually be disappointed when this starts happening to hijab wearing women in banks, hospitals, public transport etc
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 15, 2022
He added on Twitter, “I hope this judgement will not be used to legitimise abuse of hijab-wearing women.”
Students across Karnataka are protesting against #HijabVerdict pic.twitter.com/qcFh2gaedb
— §umaiya khan (@pathan_sumaya) March 16, 2022
Several Muslim students informed local media that they would rather stay at home than have to choose between their faith and their education.
Scholars & Organisations have called for a peaceful bandh tomorrow(17th Mar, 2022) due to hijab verdict.Please cascade the message and coordinate.Time to Show Unity #HijabVerdict pic.twitter.com/Qq19dnpupI
— Asma Zehra Tayeba Dr. (@AsmaZehradr) March 16, 2022
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