Will Hijab Ban Be Lifted? Karnataka Minister Keeps Everyone Guessing

Amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the hijab ban in Karnataka, the state's Home Minister, G Parameshwara, expressed that a comprehensive examination of the issue is needed before the government considers lifting any restrictions.

"We haven't issued any directives concerning the hijab. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for scrutiny even if such measures are taken. A thorough evaluation will precede any decision by the government," Parameshwara conveyed to the news agency ANI.

The state witnessed a political uproar after Siddaramaiah declared his intent to revoke the ban on hijabs in schools and colleges during a public gathering on December 22.

"Individuals have the right to choose their attire. I've instructed the withdrawal of the hijab prohibition. PM Modi's 'sab ka saath, sab ka vikas' is hollow. The BJP is fostering divisions based on clothing and caste," the Chief Minister asserted during the event.

Siddaramaiah's remarks triggered a swift response from the Karnataka BJP.

Former CM and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai accused Siddaramaiah of deflecting attention from his government's shortcomings and exploiting the issue for political mileage.

He clarified to reporters that while the hijab wasn't universally banned in the state, it was restricted in areas with a prescribed dress code. Bommai stated that Muslim women were allowed to wear hijabs in all other settings.

"If the hijab isn't banned overall, there's no question of lifting a ban," he emphasized, as reported by news agency ANI.

The controversy started in February 2022 when a government college in Udupi district imposed a ban on hijabs within classrooms, subsequently followed by other institutions.

The then Basavaraj Bommai administration issued an order extending the ban to campuses, citing concerns about attire that could disrupt equality, integrity, and public order.

This order led to widespread protests and counter-protests, resulting in the closure of educational institutions across the state. The matter escalated to the Supreme Court, which delivered a split verdict on October 13 the previous year. The bench referred the issue to a larger bench at the Chief Justice's behest, and it remains pending before the apex court.