In a significant move, Karnataka Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah announced the withdrawal of the controversial hijab ban imposed in educational institutions in the state. This decision, set to be effective from December 23, marks a stark departure from the stance adopted by the previous BJP-led government under Basavaraj Bommai.
The Ban’s History and Controversy
The ban on wearing the hijab, a headscarf worn by Muslim women, was first introduced by the BJP government last year. The decision had sparked widespread protests across Karnataka, with many students challenging the ruling in court. In a subsequent ruling, the Karnataka High Court upheld the ban, stating that wearing a hijab was not an essential religious practice mandated by Islam.
However, the issue remained contentious, leading to further legal challenges. In October 2022, the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the matter. While one judge upheld the ban, emphasizing the promotion of uniformity and secularism in educational settings, another judge argued that wearing the hijab was a matter of personal choice and a fundamental right.
Siddaramaiah’s Reversal and Criticism of BJP
Addressing the recent decision to lift the ban, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of personal choice in matters of dress and food. He criticized the BJP, stating that their slogan of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ (Cooperation of all, Development of all) seemed contradictory given the party’s stance on the hijab issue. Siddaramaiah took to social media to label the BJP’s catchphrase as “bogus,” accusing the party of dividing society based on clothing, dress, and caste.
The lifting of the hijab ban has been welcomed by many as a step towards upholding religious freedom and individual rights in Karnataka’s educational institutions.
