The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed petitions challenging a government order banning hijab in schools and colleges in the state. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi said wearing hijab is not an “essential religious practice” in Islam and students cannot object to a “reasonable restriction” in the form of uniform. The court upheld the state’s February 5 order and said it did not violate the constitutional provisions.
Reactions of all the leaders are coming on this matter. Now Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has also commented on this issue. Welcoming the High Court’s decision, the Governor of Kerala said that hijab is not an ‘essential religious practice’ in Islam and hence the court’s task was made easy while delivering the verdict.
According to news agency ANI, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said, “Islam itself defines what is required for religious practice, so the job of the judiciary has become easier. Hijab is mentioned 7 times in the Quran. But not in terms of dress code.”
Khan had earlier supported the ban on hijab issued by educational institutions in Karnataka. Responding to the court’s order, the governor said, “We should welcome it and help these young girls to do better for themselves, the society and the country.”
However, he added that there should be no excitement over the decision. “I wish them (Hijab pro-Muslim girls) all the best for building India and taking care of their families,” she said.