The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, 15 March, upheld the ban on Muslim girls wearing a hijab with their uniform in schools and colleges.
Dismissing the writ petitions filed by Muslim girl students seeking permission to wear hijab in educational institutions, the court said that the hijab was not part of Essential Religious Practice and that no compelling case was made out to invalidate the government order.
Commenting on the high court order, Karnataka Chief Minister (CM) Basavaraj Bommai asked everyone to maintain "peace and order" and allow the students to attend classes, adding that education was more important than anything else.
"Everyone should follow court order for benefit of children. It is a question of fate and education of our children. Necessary arrangements have been made to maintain law and order," Bommai said.
Meanwhile, Karnataka's Primary and Secondary Education Minister BC Nagesh said that based on the high court judgment, shortfalls of the Karnataka Education Act would be set right to standardise uniforms.
"Loopholes in the Karntaka Education Act will be fixed. Uniform ensures standards. Uniform will be standardised," he said.
"I'm happy that govt's stand has been upheld by Karnataka High Court. I request the girls who went to the court to follow the judgment, education is more important than any other thing," he added.
'The Country Has To Go Forward': Joshi
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said he welcomed the court's decision.
"I appeal to everyone that the state & country has to go forward, everyone has to maintain peace by accepting the order of HC. The basic work of students is to study. So leaving all this aside, they should study and be united," Joshi was quoted as saying by ANI.
Karnataka Minister for Rural Development KS Eshwarappa also said that he welcomed the high court's decision.
"Muslim students of the state faced problems for a long time. Someone had misguided them, that is why there was this issue. Quality education should be given to all students, so everyone should accept the order," the minister said.
Better Accept HC's Decision, Says Yediyurappa
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yediyurappa said, "Better accept this High Court decision" on the use of hijabs.
BJP MP from Bangalore South Tejasvi Surya said that the verdict was a step towards strengthening the educational opportunities and rights of female students, especially those belonging to the Muslim community.
"A section of society was trying to deprive Muslim girls of embracing education and modernity... going in appeal is people's right and they may do so, however... it is necessary for all parties to follow the order of the court, both in letter and spirit," Surya added.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress MP DK Suresh said he didn't know why the court had given this verdict.
"Islam practice is accepted by the Constitution. Don't know how Court has given this verdict. We'll wait & see. Education is also very important. Government has to give protection to all girl students. Petitions have been rejected but customs continue," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
'Matter Not Solved': HD Devegowda
Former prime minister and chief minister of Karnataka HD Devegowda said the matter had not been solved and had been further aggravated.
"It's a unanimous judgment by the court. State government should've mutual discussions with political parties. The matter has not been solved & is further aggravated. Government should take necessary steps to ensure the safety of girls."
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