The debate over Karnataka’s hijab ban has resurfaced after Home Minister G Parameshwara announced on Tuesday that a decision would be made following thorough discussions on whether students should be permitted to wear the hijab during the upcoming SSLC exams.
“We still have a month before the SSLC exams, and we will hold detailed discussions before reaching a decision,” the minister told the media.
The hijab issue remains contentious, with Karnataka’s Minister for School Education and Literacy, Madhu Bangarappa, clarifying that the Congress government has yet to take a formal stance. “The matter is still pending before the Supreme Court,” Bangarappa stated on Monday, adding that he would consult with the home minister before providing further clarification.
However, the ongoing uncertainty has left educators concerned. “With exams approaching, clear guidelines are necessary to avoid confusion on the exam day,” said a headmaster of a government school in Bengaluru.
The controversy dates back to 2022, when six students from the Government PU College in Udupi alleged that they were barred from attending classes for wearing the hijab. Their protests triggered counterprotests, with Hindu students wearing saffron shawls in several schools.
In response, the government formed a committee and, on February 5, 2022, issued guidelines under the Karnataka Education Act, 1983, prohibiting religious attire in institutions with a mandated dress code.
Legal battles followed, and on February 11, 2022, the Karnataka High Court issued an interim order banning all religious symbols, including hijabs and saffron shawls, in classrooms. On March 15, 2022, the court ruled that wearing the hijab was not an essential religious practice in Islam and upheld the government’s directive. The students challenged this verdict in the Supreme Court, which resulted in a split decision, leaving the case pending for review by a larger bench.
After the Congress party’s victory in the Karnataka assembly elections, senior minister Priyank Kharge hinted at plans to revoke bans on the hijab, halal cuts, and cow slaughter. However, these issues were not addressed in subsequent assembly sessions, leaving uncertainty over whether the hijab ban would be lifted.
BJP spokesperson Prakash S dismissed the discussions as inconsequential while the matter remains in court. “The Supreme Court will make the final decision, and we all must abide by it. Until then, these meetings serve no purpose,” he said.
