New Delhi, March 16
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to list petitions challenging the decision of the Karnataka High Court for hearing after the Holi holiday, which dismissed the petitions seeking permission to wear the hijab inside the classroom, saying that It is not part of the religious practice required in the Islamic faith.
A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana took note of the submission of senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for some of the students, that there was a need for urgent hearing keeping in view the upcoming examinations.
“The urgency is that there are many girls who have to appear in the examinations,” senior counsel told the bench, also comprising Justices AS Bopanna and Hema Kohli.
“As others also mentioned, let’s see… we will list after the holidays. Give us time,” the CJI said.
Some petitions have been filed against the High Court’s full bench decision on the matter which held that wearing the hijab is not a part of the religious practice required in the Islamic faith under Article 25 of the Constitution.
The High Court dismissed petitions by a section of Muslim students of the Government Pre-University Girls College, Udupi, seeking permission to wear hijab in class.
The High Court held that the fixation of school uniforms is only a reasonable restriction, constitutionally permissible, to which students cannot object.