Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Primary and Secondary Education minister, Madhu Bangarappa, stated that the state government will adhere to the Supreme Court’s directive permitting hijabs inside school and college premises.
The clarification from the minister comes after Karnataka Higher Education minister MC Sudhakar had previously announced the government’s decision to permit students to wear hijabs during competitive exams in the state. Madhu Bangarappa emphasized that they would follow the Supreme Court’s decision on hijabs and continue to allow them if there are no restrictions, as per the law.
On Sunday, Sudhakar had informed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the department’s progress on various issues and announced the state government’s decision to allow students to wear hijabs during competitive exams in the state. He further explained that candidates would be permitted to wear hijabs during recruitment-related exams conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority, urging these students to arrive early at examination centers to prevent malpractice.
Sudhakar’s comments had sparked controversy, with pro-Hindu groups across the state threatening protests. Madhu Bangarappa also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of focusing on these issues to gain votes and emphasizing the need for a progressive government.
The hijab controversy initially arose in January 2022 when six students from the Government Pre-University (PU) College in Udupi accused the institute’s administration of not allowing them entry while wearing hijabs. Muslim girls protested outside the institute after being denied entry. In response, several Hindu students started attending classes in saffron shawls, leading to protests and demonstrations across Karnataka.
On March 15 last year, a full bench of the Karnataka High Court upheld the hijab ban imposed by the then BJP-led state government in schools and colleges, stating that wearing hijab is not mandatory in Islam. This executive order by the high court, declared in February 2022, sparked widespread protests. Several petitions challenging the high court’s verdict are currently pending before the Supreme Court.
