Supreme Court Hijab Verdict: Mumbai College's Dress Code Challenged And Temporarily Suspended

On Friday, the Supreme Court partially stayed a circular issued by a Mumbai college that banned the wearing of 'Hijab,' 'burqa,' cap, and 'naqab' on its campus, as reported by PTI.

The court's decision came in response to a petition challenging the college's dress code restrictions. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar, who are part of the bench, issued a notice to the Chembur Trombay Education Society, which manages N G Acharya and D K Marathe College, asking for a response by November 18.

The Supreme Court emphasised that educational institutions cannot impose dress code restrictions that undermine students' freedom of choice regarding their attire. The bench criticised the college administration, questioning why other religious symbols like 'tilak' and 'bindi' were not banned if the intention was to prevent the display of religious identity.

"Suddenly you wake up to know that there are many religions in the country," the court remarked, referring to the college's abrupt imposition of the dress code.

However, the court clarified that while the ban on 'Hijab,' 'burqa,' and 'naqab' inside classrooms cannot be enforced, no religious activities will be permitted on the campus. The interim order should not be misused, and the college retains the right to approach the court if necessary.

The petitioners, including Zainab Abdul Qayyum, argued that the ban had hindered students' ability to attend classes. They sought an urgent hearing due to upcoming unit tests, which are expected to start on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Bombay High Court had upheld the college's decision on June 26, ruling that the ban did not infringe upon students' fundamental rights. The Supreme Court is now reviewing this decision.