Karnataka: Muslim students in Mangaluru college submit memorandum to allow wearing Hijab

Hijab row has surfaced once again in Karnataka as a group of students from  University College in Karnataka's Mangaluru submitted a memorandum to allow wearing of hijab in classrooms. memorandum was submitted by students to  Deputy Commissioner's office. Speaking to ANI, one of students also claimed that y went to  principal as well as Vice Chancellor. However, she stated that both authorities were t able to help m. 

Hijab row resurfaces 

hijab issue resurfaced on May 26 after a group of students from University College std a protest on campus premises alleging that a few Muslim girl students are attending classes wearing head-scarf. protesting students were wearing  college uniform and y claimed that 44 students are wearing hijab to college. Some students furr alleged that some of m were wearing hijab in classrooms too. agitating students also hit out at college principal and or concerned authorities of having failed to address issue. Moreover, y alleged that college authorities are under pressure from a local political leader. 

"We have been demanding implementation of High Court order, despite us submitting memoranda to college authorities, y were t implementing it, n PTA meeting was called and re also, parents-representative insisted that court order be followed, n y said let matter be decided at Syndicate meeting," a protesting student said.

"Realising about protest we were planning, authorities have decided to implement order w, he said, "....but some faculty are instigating Muslim girl students to wear hijab in classrooms and that y too would wear it."

Meanwhile, a hijab-clad Muslim student claimed that  head-scarf was part of uniform for students who wear it. ''It is also mentioned in college prospectus, and same was also told to us during an interview by principal, while joining,'' student said.

"...however, we received ufficial statement in form of a text mess from college on May 16 stating that hijab is t allowed in classes and everyone should come in uniform," she said, adding that y would meet district's Deputy Commissioner on matter and seek justice, also would fight it legally.

Karnataka Hijab row 

In a high octane row, Karnataka High Court, on March 15, dismissed petitions filed by a group of Muslim students seeking permission to wear hijab in classrooms. However,  three-judge Bench of court, consisting of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S Dixit and Justice J M Khazi furr ted that prescription of school uniform is only a reasonable restriction, and constitutionally permissible, which students cant object to.

After High Court order, Department of Pre-University Education has made uniforms prescribed by College Development Committee, compulsory for Pre-University (PU) students from 2022-23 academic year. In addition, it also states that in case uniform is prescribed by College Development Committee or manment, students must wear a garment which will "maintain equality and unity, and which does t disturb public order." 

(With PTI inputs)

Im: ANI