Hijab fiat internal issue, ministry says
‘MATTER ON DRESS CODE IN SOME EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IS UNDER JUDICIAL EXAMINATION’
India has asked countries to refrain from commenting on the issue of dress code in educational institutions in Karnataka, stating that “motivated comments on our internal issues aren’t welcome.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made these remarks yesterday in response to media queries on India’s reaction to comments by some countries on the dress code in some educational institutions in Karnataka.
“A matter regarding dress code in some educational institutions in Karnataka is under judicial examination by Karnataka High Court ... Motivated comments on our internal issues aren’t welcome,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
College closure extended
Karnataka, meanwhile, has decided to extend the closure of schools for grade 11 and 12 and colleges until February 16.
CN Ashwatha Narayana, the state’s Minister for Higher education said: “The examinations would be held as per schedule while the institutions have been directed to hold online classes.”
“Now as a precautionary measure, the closure of universities and colleges have been extended. This closure is applicable for government, aided, unaided degree colleges, diploma, and engineering colleges”, Narayana said.
Meanwhile, Mysuru Police banned rallies and protests until today in the wake of protests called by unidentified people over the Hijab row. As per an order issued by City Police Commissioner Chandragupta, prohibitory orders will remain in force in the city until 10pm today. Also, no protests or rallies will be allowed in the district.
The Hijab protests began on February 4 at the Government Girls PU college in Udupi district in Karnataka when some students alleged that they had been barred from attending classes for wearing hijab. During the protests too, some students were allegedly denied entry to colleges over their hijab.
Courts urge restraint
The Karnataka High Court had appealed to the student community and the public at large to maintain peace and tranquillity while it hears out various petitions challenging a hijab ban in the state.
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to hear urgently pleas relating to the hijab row in Karnataka and said it is “watching” what’s happening in the state and in hearing before the High Court.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli said that they will see the issue at the “appropriate time” as the Karnataka High Court is seized of the matter and also suggested lawyers to not make it a national-level issue.