The hijab is not an important religious practice, according to the Karnataka High Court, which today upheld the ban on hijab in schools, which was contested by a number of Muslim students in a nationwide protest that started last year at a school. Three justices refused to overturn the state government’s prohibition, saying, “We are of the considered conclusion that wearing of hijab by Muslim women does not form a component of important religious practice in the Islamic religion.”
The Karnataka government issued an order on February 5 banning apparel from schools and universities that “disturb equality, integrity, and public order.” From March 15 to 19, Mangalore also prohibited public meetings. In Udupi, where the uprisings began in December, schools and institutions are closed today.
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