Karnataka Ends Hijab Ban

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Declaration

The Karnataka government announced on Friday its decision to lift the ban on wearing hijab in educational institutions, originally enforced during the previous BJP rule.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed officials to revoke the order, affirming that women have the freedom to wear hijab and move about as they choose.

The chief minister stated at a gathering in Mysore, "There is no hijab ban anymore. Women can wear hijab and go anywhere. How you dress and what you eat is your choice. Why should I obstruct you?"

He criticized the BJP government, alleging that it was fostering division among people based on clothing, attire, and caste.

The Congress government in Karnataka had previously indicated its intention to rescind the order upon assuming power in May of this year.

The hijab controversy arose when six students at the Government Pre-University College for Girls in Udupi were barred from entering their classrooms wearing the hijab, leading to a protest in December 2021.

The protests spread throughout the state, impacting educational campuses in coastal and Malnad districts.

The prior BJP government had issued a circular forbidding the wearing of hijabs in schools and pre-university colleges across the state.

The issue reached the Karnataka High Court, which affirmed the state government's decision.

The matter was subsequently brought before the Supreme Court, where a two-judge bench delivered a split verdict. The Supreme Court announced its intention to explore the establishment of a three-judge bench to adjudicate on the matter.