Students challenge college's hijab and burqa ban in Bombay High Court
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Nine students have approached the Bombay High Court to contest a directive issued by their college that prohibits the wearing of hijabs, burkas, and naqabs in the classroom.
The students argue that the ban, enforced by the Chembur Trombay Education Society's NG Acharya and DK Marathe College, is "arbitrary, unreasonable, bad-in-law and perverse."
The case will be heard by a bench led by Justice AS Chandurkar next week.
According to the petition, the college issued a notice on May 1, which was shared via the college's WhatsApp group that includes both faculty members and students. This notice imposed a dress code restriction on burkas, naqabs, hijabs, badges, caps, and stoles.
The petitioners, who are second and third-year degree students, claim that the directive is a misuse of power. They assert that the naqabs, burkas, and hijabs are integral to their religious beliefs, and banning them infringes upon their fundamental rights.
Initially, the students requested the college management and principal to revoke the restrictions, advocating for the right to choose, dignity, and privacy in the classroom. They also appealed to the chancellor and vice-chancellor of the University, as well as the University Grants Commission, seeking their intervention to ensure education is imparted without discrimination.
Receiving no response, the students filed a petition in the High Court, arguing that the notice was issued without legal authority and is therefore null and void. The petition seeks to have the High Court quash the notice.