Synopsis
The Karnataka government plans to hold a meeting to discuss the possibility of allowing Class 10 girls to wear hijabs during exams, with intentions to inform the Supreme Court of their decision. The hijab controversy has previously stirred significant debate and division within society.Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government to discuss hijab policy for Class 10.
- Decision will be communicated to the Supreme Court.
- Previous government ban on hijab faced legal challenges.
- Controversy has divided student communities.
- International criticism of the hijab ban.
Bengaluru, February 4 (NationPress) Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Wednesday that the government will convene a meeting to determine if Class 10 students in the state can wear the hijab during their exams, with plans to communicate this decision to the Supreme Court.
When queried about discussions on permitting female students to don hijabs for exams, Minister Parameshwara remarked, “While a meeting has not yet occurred, we will organize one.”
He further stated, “This isn't merely about making a choice while the hijab issue is pending in the Supreme Court. We must establish our own conclusions and relay our position to the court. Our opinion will be based on current circumstances, which we will present.”
The Karnataka government is proceeding cautiously regarding the issue of allowing students to wear hijabs during exams.
The hijab controversy gained international attention during the previous BJP government's tenure, sparking significant unrest in the state.
Addressing whether the government would permit female students wearing hijabs to sit for exams, Home Minister G. Parameshwara commented on Tuesday, “We need to evaluate this issue thoroughly, and after our discussions, we will reach a decision.”
When reminded that exams were only a month away, Minister Parameshwara affirmed, “One month is ample time to deliberate on this matter.”
The prior BJP administration had enacted a ban on the hijab for female students in schools and pre-university colleges (classes 11 and 12).
This ban was challenged by students in the High Court, which upheld the government's decision. The case is currently with the Supreme Court.
The issue has also polarized society, particularly among students, along communal lines throughout Karnataka.
A two-judge panel in the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict in October: one judge, Hemant Gupta, affirmed the Karnataka High Court's ruling, while the other, Sudhanshu Dhulia, deemed it erroneous.
The judges have urged the Chief Justice to refer the case to a larger panel.
The implementation of dress codes prohibiting hijabs by educational institutions has faced criticism both domestically and internationally, including from officials in the United States and Pakistan.
Support for the ban has come from politicians like Arif Mohammad Khan, Aaditya Thackeray, and activist Taslima Nasreen.
