Karnataka Hijab Row: SC Seeks Response Of State On Petitions For Hearing On Sep 5

The Supreme Court on Monday sought the response of the state government on petitions challenging the Karnataka High Court's decision to refuse to lift the ban on hijab in educational institutions in Karnataka.

A bench of Justices Hemant Gupta and Sudhanshu Dhulia issued notice to the state on the petitions and listed them for hearing on September 5.

The bench expressed displeasure over the demand of some of the petitioners seeking an adjournment in the matter and said it would not allow "such". Several petitions have been filed in the apex court against the Karnataka High Court's decision that wearing hijab is not a part of the essential religious practice, which can be protected under Article 25 of the Constitution.

The High Court had dismissed petitions filed by a section of muslim girl students of the "Government Pre-University Girls College" in Udupi, seeking permission to wear the hijab inside the classroom.

Hijab controversy started in Karnataka from January 1. In Karnataka's Udupi, 6 Muslim girl students were barred from sitting in a class room for wearing hijab in college. The college had said on this, that due to the new uniform policy, he was prevented from going to the classroom.

Later these girls filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court. The girls say that not allowing them to wear the hijab is a violation of their fundamental right under Articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution. There is tremendous politics going on on this matter. AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi supported the girl students.