Bengaluru: The Education and Minority Institutions Management Federation has warned of initiating contempt of court proceedings against the Karnataka government for preventing hijab-wearing students from entering examination centers. Speaking at a press conference, Federation President Advocate C.R. Mohammad Imtiaz asserted that the Karnataka High Court had already struck down the government’s circular banning the hijab in educational institutions.
Imtiaz criticized Minister of Education and Literacy, Madhu Bangarappa, for stating that the hijab ban would remain in place. He argued that since the matter is sub judice, the state government cannot enforce any further restrictions. He emphasized that the court’s permission for hijab remains valid, and any action contradicting this ruling would amount to a violation of judicial orders.
He further cited the Karnataka High Court’s ruling on February 22, 2022, which had nullified the February 5, 2022, order imposing a hijab ban in exam centers. The ruling explicitly stated that under Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution, minority educational institutions are exempt from such restrictions.
The Federation has urged the government to immediately withdraw any directives barring hijab-wearing students from exam centers. It warned that if students are denied entry, legal action will follow, including contempt petitions against officials responsible for violating court orders.
