Karnataka Hijab Ban Case: Balancing Religious Freedom (Article 25) With Uniform Dress Codes In Educational Institutions
- IJLLR Journal
- May 30
- 1 min read
Aditya Raj, BA.LLB, KIIT School of Law, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Introduction
The Karnataka hijab ban controversy, erupting in December 2021, spotlighted the complex intersection of religious freedom and uniform policies within educational institutions. Sparked by denying Muslim girls entry for wearing hijabs, the ban swiftly expanded across Karnataka, igniting protests grounded in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. Counter-protests, marked by saffron scarves, amplified communal tensions, particularly in sensitive coastal regions. The Karnataka government's subsequent strict enforcement of uniform codes, disallowing religious attire, led to widespread unrest, challenging the balance between equality and religious expression. This pivotal case, addressing religious freedom, education rights, minority rights, secularism, and gender justice, awaits a final verdict.
Background
The hijab ban controversy in Karnataka began in December 2021 when several Muslim girls were denied entry to classrooms in Udupi for wearing hijabs, violating the colleges' uniform policies. This ban soon spread statewide, sparking protests by Muslim students asserting their right to wear the hijab under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. Hindu students counter- protested with saffron scarves, escalating communal tensions, especially in coastal Karnataka.
On February 5, 2022, the Karnataka government ordered strict enforcement of uniform codes, disallowing religious attire like the hijab to maintain equality and public order. The Karnataka High Court upheld this ban on March 15, 2022, ruling that the hijab is not an essential religious practice under Islam and emphasizing secularism and uniformity in schools.
