The Congress-led Karnataka government has withdrawn the 2022 government order that effectively banned hijab and other religious attire in schools and colleges, aiming to promote inclusivity and student welfare. The then BJP government’s decision was upheld by the Karnataka High Court.
School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that the government has issued a fresh directive allowing students to wear prescribed uniforms along with limited traditional and faith-based symbols such as headscarves (hijab), turbans, sacred threads, and similar items. The new order clarifies that these symbols must not replace the uniform, obstruct identification of students, or compromise safety norms. No student will be denied entry to classes or examinations for adhering to such practices.
Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the decision was taken after discussions triggered by an April 24 incident involving the removal of a sacred thread during an examination. He said the government decided to frame clear rules keeping the welfare of children in mind. Notably, Hindu students appearing for CET exam in Bengaluru were forced to remove their Janeu before they were allowed to enter into the exam halls.
The new government order says that students could not be compelled either to wear or remove religious or traditional symbols permitted under the order, underlining that educational institutions were spaces intended to promote “scientific temper, rationality, equality, dignity, fraternity, discipline, mutual respect, social harmony, and the responsibilities of our constitutional democracy.”
It added that “secularism in a constitutional sense is not an opposition to personal beliefs; rather, it is the giving of equal respect to all, institutional impartiality, and non-discriminatory behaviour.”
Minister Bangarappa described the decision as “child-centric” and quoted the 12th-century Kannada poet-saint Basavanna to underscore the importance of harmony and inclusion in educational spaces.
The 2022 row erupted when several Muslim girl students in Udupi and other districts were barred from entering classrooms wearing hijabs, citing uniform policies. The then BJP government under Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai issued a circular on 5 February 2022, mandating adherence to dress codes prescribed by college development committees. This led to widespread protests, counter-protests with saffron shawls, and disruptions in educational institutions.
The Karnataka High Court upheld the government order in March 2022, ruling that hijab is not an essential religious practice under Islam and that uniform dress codes promote equality and discipline. The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court following a split verdict by a two-judge bench.
After the Congress came to power in 2023, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had indicated the government’s intent to revoke the order, though formal action was delayed citing legal consultations.
