Hindu Girls Wearing Bangles, Christians With Cross Are Not Sent Out: Lawyer In Hijab Case
Mumbai: Karnataka High Court is hearing petitions challenging the hijab ban in educational institutions in the state.
Arguing on behalf of petitioners, advocate Ravi Varma Kumar asked the judges why the Hijab was being singled out when there were “hundreds of religious symbols from dupattas, bangles, turbans, crosses and bindis” worn by people every day.
“I am only showing the huge diversity of religious symbols in all sections of society. Why is the government single-handedly lifting the hijab and doing hostile discrimination? Bangles are worn? Aren’t they religious symbols? You want these poor Muslims Why are you choosing girls? he said.
“It is only because of her religion that the petitioner is being sent out of class. A girl wearing a bindi is not sent out. Not a girl wearing a bangle. A Christian is not wearing a cross. Why only these girls? This is a violation of Article 15 of the Constitution,” Mr Kumar said.
“Ghoongats are permitted. Bangles are permitted. Why only this (Hijabs)? Why not the turban of a Sikh, the cross of the Christians?” he said.
“No other religious symbol is considered… why only the hijab? Isn’t it because of their religion? Discrimination against Muslim girls is purely on the basis of religion and hence it is hostile discrimination,” argued Mr Kumar.
Opposing instances of students being punished or removed from class for wearing hijab, the lawyer said, “We are not allowed. We are not heard but punished directly. Can it be harsher? Can they be called teachers?”
“It is full of prejudice because of religion. No notice, sent straight out of class by persons without authority,” he said.
“Judicial note is to be taken that Muslim girls are least represented in classrooms. If they are shut out on this pretext, it will be very draconian,” Mr Kumar said.
The arguments in the case come amid rising tensions in Karnataka where, late last year, at least four schoolgirls were barred from wearing Muslim headscarves, protests spread to other states as well.
(With Agency Inputs)
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