The government of Karnataka has removed a disputed rule that prevented Muslim female students from wearing the hijab in schools and colleges.
A new order issued on 13 May now allows students to wear certain religious and traditional items together with their official school uniforms. These include the Muslim hijab, Hindu sacred threads and saffron prayer shawls.
The earlier restriction was introduced in 2022 by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government. Officials at the time argued that religious clothing in classrooms could affect equality and public order within educational institutions.
The ban led to strong reactions across India, especially among Muslim communities. Several Muslim students challenged the decision in court, saying it violated their constitutional right to practise their faith freely.
The Karnataka High Court later ruled that the hijab was not an essential religious practice protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. The case was then taken to India’s Supreme Court. However, judges delivered a split verdict in 2022, and the matter remains unresolved before a larger bench.
Although the Supreme Court has not yet delivered a final judgment, the Congress-led Karnataka government has chosen to reverse the earlier policy. Authorities said educational institutions should follow constitutional values including equality, dignity, secularism and the right to education.
Christian leaders in the state have responded cautiously to the latest development.
Father Assisi Francis D’Almeida, who heads the Karnataka Regional Commission for Education, said there is still uncertainty about how the order will be applied. He explained that Church-run institutions are waiting for clarification on whether the policy affects only government schools or also minority-run institutions.
He also questioned whether the state government should change the policy while the case is still pending before the Supreme Court. According to him, the decision may create new difficulties if more visible religious symbols appear on campuses.
Father Faustine Lucas Lobo, spokesperson for the Karnataka Catholic Bishops’ Council, criticised both major political parties for using the issue for political purposes.
He said the original ban introduced by the BJP government appeared unnecessary and divisive, while the present government’s decision to remove it also seemed politically motivated rather than practical.
The hijab controversy caused hardship for many Muslim students over the past two years. Some said the restrictions interrupted their education and made them feel excluded because of their faith.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the government’s latest move, saying the policy respects the traditions of all communities equally. He denied accusations from BJP leaders that the decision was aimed at winning Muslim support.
The issue continues to spark political tension, with protests already being organised by BJP leaders and Hindu nationalist groups.
Rewritten from reports originally published by UCA News.
