The Karnataka High Court, hearing the hijab row, on Thursday ordered that no religious symbols are allowed for the students until its final order, thus putting an end to use of both hijab and saffron shawls in the school and college premises.
The interim order was given by a three-judge bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S. Dixit, and Justice Khaji Jaibunnesa Mohiyuddin.
“We want to make an interim order on the matter of hijab row. We will hear the matter every day,” the Chief Justice stated.
Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, who is appearing for Udupi girl students in Karnataka High Court, said, “Article 25 confers two rights.
One is the freedom of conscience. Second is the freedom to practice and propagate religion.
The Supreme Court has held that only essential religious practices are protected under Article 25…Constitutional rights cannot be left to the adjudication of politicians whether they are in power or not or whether they are elected or unelected.”
“There is prima facie case, and a balance of convenience in my favour, denial to attend college will have serious consequences,” he added.
The Karnataka High Court has expressed concern over closure of schools and said, “education should not suffer”. The state government also in favour of schools to reopen.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has now decided to reopen schools from Classes 1 to 10 from Monday. The decision to reopen colleges will be taken in due course.
