New Delhi: The Supreme Court has finally agreed on Wednesday to hear appeals challenging Karnataka High Court’s order which upheld the state government’s ban on wearing hijab in schools and colleges.
The bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana and Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli has listed the matter for next week before the appropriate bench. Advocate Prashant Bhushan brought the matter into consideration saying that the petition has not been listed since March.
Earlier, some of the petitioners of the case approached the Supreme Court challenging the order passed by the Karnataka High Court upholding the state governments ban on Hijab in schools and colleges, directing strict accordance with uniform rules in institutions.
One of the appeals in the apex court mentioned a “step-motherly” behaviour of government authorities that have prevented students from practicing their faith.
It further added that the High Court “had vehemently failed to apply its mind and was unable to understand the gravity of the situation as well as the core aspect of the Essential Religious Practices enshrined under Article 25 of the Constitution of India”.
Wearing Hijab and scarf is a practice that is essential in Islam, the appeal added. Karnataka High Court in March had held that the prescription of uniforms is a reasonable restriction that students could not object to and dismissed various petitions challenging a ban on Hijab in education institutions saying they are without merit.
The issue stirred up a national controversy nationwide, leading to instances of violence in several parts.
(With Agency Inputs)