The hijab row has yet again reared its head in Karnataka where twenty-four Muslim students of the Government First Grade College, Uppinangady in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka were suspended on for violating the dress code on June 7.

The suspensions came last week after students wore Hijabs to classrooms. The total number of students suspended for allegedly wearing hijab in classrooms has gone up to 31.

Sanjeeva Matandoor, MLA, Puttur, who is also the chairman of the College Development Committee, said that, should the students want a revocation of the suspension, they should give an undertaking in writing that they will abide by the dress code prescribed by the college and as discussed in the Karnataka High Court. “The students staged a demonstration, so they were suspended,” he added.

The Karnataka High Court in a recent judgement ruled that hijab was not essential religious practice and that students must follow uniforms prescribed by colleges.

The MLA said that most students are attending classes. However, some, including boys, who are supporting girls wearing hijab in classrooms are on a strike.

He said that the college will suspend students who violate the dress code and that subsequent decision will be taken by the committee.

Previously, on June 6, Mangaluru MLA and congress leader UT Khader urged students to fight the hijab issue legally and not in the corridors of colleges. He also said that students should rather focus on academics.

Meanwhile, sources said that some students have also asked for a transfer citing the Hijab ban and have asked to be moved to a minority institution, which the college has consented to. 

Also read: Karnataka: No Hijab for K-CET. Stringent measures taken on lines of NEET