The observation of the Supreme court that letting girl students wear hijab to school might provide an opportunity to make children sensitive to the cultural diversity of India, has evoked massive rage among Hindus, indicates report. The apex court’s observation came as it was considering a plea against Hijab ban by Karnataka Highcourt.
On Wednesday, a bench of justices Hemant Gupta and Sudhanshu Dhulia stressed that uniformity in dress code might by the government’s argument, but acceptance of diversity at an impressionable age would prepare students to face the diversity in various aspects of life. Adults could also view the situation as an opportunity to inculcate values in the children rather than having the perspective that the hijab is a cause for distraction.
Karnataka advocate general Prabhuling K Navadgi, when asked for the ground for restriction on wearing hijab in the state, said that the government had nothing against any religion. Rather, it was a matter of discipline in educational institutions, he added.
“The dominant purpose of the government order is to enforce a dress code and discipline. It may have an incidental effect on some other subject,” Navadgi said.
“Right to wear a dress of one’s own choice will not automatically become a fundamental right. Every fundamental right can be restricted in a manner known to law. An assumed right that wearing hijab is protected under the right to expression is to be viewed with caution and cannot be easily accepted,” Navadgi said.
Concurring on Navadgi’s explanation of the government’s motive, additional solicitor general KM Nataraj, who also appeared for the Karnataka government, said that there was no prohibition on religious activity in the state. The government merely wished to ensure equality among children in the schools.
He stressed on this when the bench pointed out that preventing the wearing of hijab was the effect of the government order passed in February, stating, “The state has not said don’t wear hijab. We respect hijab, we respect shawl, everything. It is a simple case of discipline in an institution.”
Two teachers from Karnataka were represented by senior advocates Venkataramani and V Mohana, who supported the order to promote uniformity in schools and colleges.
The Supreme Court is expected to give its judgment on Thursday, since it favored an effective investigation of the controversial matter and closure to the issue soon.
With inputs from Varta Bharati
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