Hijab Controversy: Protests & Gatherings Banned Near Schools, Colleges

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has banned protests and gatherings within 200 metres of schools, PU colleges, degree colleges and other educational institutions in Bengaluru for two weeks.

Wednesday’s order comes amid an escalating hijab row, with violent incidents forcing chief minister Basavaraj Bommai to order closure of all educational institutions for three days.

The state government’s order, to be implemented with immediate effect in Bengaluru, said it has been noticed that protests and allegations have been made in connection with strict enforcement of schools/colleges uniform rules in certain parts of the state over the past few days. As these protests have led to violence at some places, disturbing public peace and order, and there is a possibility of similar agitations and protests in Bengaluru city, the ban has been imposed, the order spelt out.

“If any one considers to have been adversely affected by this order, he can file an appeal to modify or cancellation of this order to this office or the government of Karnataka respectively,” the order said.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court transferred petitions challenging the hijab ban in educational institutions.

Justice Krishna S Dixit who was hearing since Tuesday a batch of petitions against the Hijab ban in classrooms maintained that these matters give rise to certain constitutional questions of seminal importance in view of certain aspects of personal law.

“In view of the enormity of questions of importance which were debated, the court is of the considered opinion that the Chief Justice should decide if a larger bench can be constituted in the subject matter,” stated Justice Krishna S Dixit, who was hearing a batch of petitions against hijab ban.