‘Attack on Islam’: Owaisi criticises Allahabad HC order on Hijab in schools

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi vehemently denounced the Allahabad High Court's recent ruling regarding a student's right to wear a Hijab at school. During a gathering at the party's headquarters, Owaisi labeled the decision as an "attack on Islam". He argued that the Court should have refrained from issuing such an order, particularly when the Sabarimala case is pending before the Supreme Court. Owaisi contended that the High Court's decision contravened Articles 25 and 19 of the Indian Constitution.

The Allahabad High Court had dismissed a petition filed by a minor student who wished to wear a Hijab alongside her prescribed school uniform. The court ruled that the petitioning student had not presented any religious scriptures or material to substantiate her claim that wearing a scarf is an essential part of her faith. The court also noted that other students from the same religious community were not wearing scarves in the photographs provided.

The division bench, comprised of Justices JJ Munir and Indrajit Shukla, emphasized that the school's dress code is primarily to maintain discipline and institutional identity. They clarified that while the student's right to freedom of faith was not being infringed, her desire to wear a scarf in violation of the dress code led to her denial of admission to Class 11.