Karnataka HC upholds Hijab ban: A look at countries where veils are barred

Bengaluru, Mar 15: Karnataka High Court on Tuesday ruled that the hijab is not essential to Islam in a landmark case that could have implications across the country.

The prescription of school uniform is only a reasonable restriction, constitutionally permissible which the students cannot object to, a three-judge bench of the court further noted.

Prescription of uniform is a reasonable restriction on fundamental rights under Article 25, the court said.

No case is made out for invalidating the government order of February 5, the court said.

The demand by a section of Muslim girls in an Udupi pre-university college to wear Hijab inside their classrooms erupted into a major row after some Hindu students turned up in saffron shawls with the issue spreading to other parts of the state, even as the government insisted on a uniform norm.

Let us have a look at the nations that have barred face and head coverings?

• France
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• Denmark
• Belgium
• The Netherlands
• Italy
• Austria
• Bulgaria
• Sri Lanka
• Russia

Read the full High Court order here: