An Indian court maintained a ban on the hijab in school in the state of Karnataka on Tuesday, a decision that might establish a precedent for the rest of the country, which has a large Muslim population.
Last month’s prohibition by the southern state provoked Muslim student and parent rallies, as well as Hindu student counter-protests. Muslims in the country have been accused of being increasingly sidelined as a result of the disagreement.
“We are of the considered opinion that wearing of hijab by Muslim women does not form a part of essential religious practice,” chief justice Ritu Raj Awasthi of the High Court of Karnataka said in the judgment.
He claimed that the government had the authority to issue standard guidelines, and he dismissed many petitions opposing the decision.
To avoid potential unrest, Karnataka officials announced the closure of schools and colleges, as well as limitations on public gatherings in various areas of the state, ahead of the ruling.
