K'tka Hijab Row: Students reluctant to give up Hijab, move HC for interim relief

Udupi: (Karnataka). The hijab row in the state is continuing to be unresolved, as the students who insisted on entering the classes wearing hijab were sent out of classrooms. The group of students who wanted entry with hijab on had decided to attend the classes wearing it, despite the state government banning it on the college campus.

The issue attracted more attention, with February 1 (Tuesday) being observed as the World Hijab Day.

Sources at the Government Girls Pre-University College in Udupi had said that students would come to the college but won't give up hijab to attend classes. Police had also been informed and no outsider would be allowed into the campus as the authorities deem that hijab row has put the academic career of 1,000 students at stake when students have to prepare for examinations which are going to be held in another two months.

On Monday, MLA Raghupathy Bhat, after holding a meeting at the College said that the students who are protesting for wearing hijab to classrooms are being told to come to the college campus only if they remove it.

"Otherwise, we have clearly told them not to come to the college and spoil the academic environment," he said. On the other hand, the students have moved a petition to the High Court seeking relief in this regard.

"You can't come to the premises of the college and spoil the college academic environment. We have also informed police regarding entry of media and other organisations into the campus," he stated.

All the same, Bhat, who tried to persuade the students to enter classes without hijab, was quoted by the News Minute as saying, "The students will be allowed to attend college if only they don't wear hijab and adhere to the dress code. If they join back classes soon, we will ensure that extra classes are held so that they can make up for the lost classes."

Eight students who reported wearing hijab were barred from attending since December 27 on grounds that they were violating the college's dress code. The students argue that wearing it is a fundamental right under Article 14 and 25 of the Constitution. The petitioner student said, "Constitution of India guarantees the Freedom of Conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion while reserving the state's right to interfere with the religious matter only if it involves an issue relating to public order, morality and health."

The student has sought interim order from the High Court regarding students attending classes wearing hijab.

"In another 2 months, exams will be held. Parents are complaining that every day, international media besides various Muslim and Hindu organisations are visiting. There will be no entry to the college from Tuesday. They can submit the memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, the MLA said.

"There is a government order. The future of 1,000 college students is at stake. It has been said that if the students are coming to college, they can come if they are willing to attend classes without a hijab. Otherwise, do not come to college itself. There is no room for confusion anymore. Whoever follows discipline let them come to college," he stated.

(With input from IANS)