Don't Violate Interim Order, What Karnataka HC Said As Govt Insists Hijab Is Not Essential
Amid reports of students and teachers being harassed and not being allowed to enter campuses wearing hijabs and burqas, citing a court order, the Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to see to it that its interim order is not violated.
The Karnataka HC had last week said that until it decides on whether Hijabs can be allowed in schools and colleges in the state, no religious symbols should be allowed on campuses.
Students allege harassment
Some students had approached the HC stating that Muslims are being troubled over the interim order.?
Advocate Tahir submitted before the court to provide clarity on the interim order prohibiting any religious symbols in the premises of colleges, contending that the order is also being implemented in Urdu schools, where all students and teachers are Muslims.
He further stated that students are being asked to remove hijabs and burqas outside such colleges and schools, following orders of the Minority Welfare Department. Teachers wearing hijab are also being stopped by officials saying that they are carrying out the interim orders of the High Court. All departments are passing orders in this regard, he said.
The state Minority Welfare Department on Thursday issued a circular to ban students from wearing saffron shawls, scarfs, hijab, religious flags inside classrooms until further orders at educational institutions that come under the ambit of the department.
Counsel for petitioners has so far argued for the lifting of interim order prohibiting the wearing of hijab and saffron shawls to classes. However, the bench has not acceded to the demand.
Hijab not essential
Advocate General Prabhuling Navadagi, representing the government assured the court that it will be seen to it that not an iota of the interim order is violated.
Navadagi also told the court that Hijab is not an essential religious practice of the Muslim faith and preventing it does not violate the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.
Arrest those creating trouble
As tensions continue in the state over the Hijab row, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Mining, Pralhad Joshi said that those who come to schools or colleges to make girl students wear or remove the hijab in classrooms should be arrested.
The hijab issue is now in the court. When the court is seized of the matter, a ruckus is being created. "Wherever the interim order regarding wearing of the hijab and not allowing religious symbols is not being followed, implement rules strictly," Joshi said.
Whatever may be the final decision of the court, whether it comes in favour of wearing the hijab or not, one has to follow the court orders until then. It is wrong to say that irrespective of the court order, hijab will be worn in classrooms, he stated.
Only students and teachers must be allowed inside the college campuses. Outsiders should not be entertained. If anyone is creating trouble, the government should take action without mercy, he said.
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