In a case that has ignited a debate over education and religious freedom, the Karnataka government has extended two options to Suchivrat Kulkarni, a student barred from writing his Mathematics CET paper for wearing the ‘janivara’, a sacred thread traditionally worn by Brahmins.
The incident occurred on April 16 at Sai Spoorthi College, Bidar. Exam staff allegedly refused him entry, citing attire violations due to his religious thread. Kulkarni can now either reappear for the Mathematics paper or accept an average score based on his Physics and Chemistry marks for CET ranking.
Public outrage followed, with similar reports surfacing from multiple exam centres across Karnataka. In Shivamogga, two Pre-University students were also allegedly forced to remove their sacred threads. One student complied; the other resisted. After intervention and CCTV review, two home guards were suspended.
Opposition leader R Ashoka filed a formal complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, calling the act a violation of personal belief and dignity. On social media, he condemned the incidents and urged prompt action to protect students’ rights.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar labeled the occurrences “unacceptable,” while Endowment Minister Ramalinga Reddy advocated revisiting exam dress code policies to respect religious symbols.
This controversy has reignited discussions on inclusive policy-making in education, especially during high-stakes competitive exams.
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