Hijab controversy may escalate again in Karnataka: Muslim organizations to open 13 new colleges in the state, where girls will not be banned from wearing hijab

Just before the assembly elections in Karnataka, the situation of hijab controversy flared up again. Muslim organizations from the southern districts of Karnataka have applied to open 13 new private colleges in the state. Hijabs will not be banned in these colleges. Never before had so many applications from Muslim organizations for opening private colleges been received.

Not a single application was made by Muslim organizations in the last 5 years. Now experts believe that the opening of new colleges will further deepen the hijab controversy because the hijab is banned in all government educational institutions of the state. Because of this, hundreds of girls from the Muslim community left the exam.

Private schools have the freedom to decide the dress code

In Karnataka, the previous government (Congress) had made the dress code mandatory for government educational institutions. Private schools are free to set their dress code. Now that religious symbols have been banned in government schools and colleges, it is up to private educational institutions to allow the hijab or not. So Muslim organizations have decided to open their colleges.

A senior official of the education department said that applications for opening new colleges are being scrutinized. An application has been approved. Applicants meet all the criteria to open the college then they can be approved.

No relief from High Court and Supreme Court

The Hijab controversy in Karnataka had started to subside after taking a violent turn. The petition seeking permission to wear hijab in schools and colleges was dismissed by the High Court and then the Supreme Court refused to hear.

Now organizations agitating in support of the hijab have intensified the struggle. Girls not coming to school and refusing to take exams without hijab are also part of the movement. The Campus Front of India (CFI), which is leading it, recently held a rally.

The dispute started on January 1

The controversy over the hijab in Karnataka started on January 1. Here in Udupi, six Muslim girl students were barred from sitting in a classroom in the college for wearing the hijab. The college management had cited the new uniform policy as the reason.

After this these girls filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court. The girls argue that not allowing them to wear the hijab is a violation of their fundamental right under Articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution.

Also Read: Hijab Row: Supreme Court ready to hear Karnataka Hijab dispute, High Court's decision has been challenged