Kota: The Rajasthan High Court has issued notices on a writ petition filed by Alisha, a Muslim student who alleges she was denied entry to a competitive examination in Kota for wearing a hijab. The court has sought responses from all concerned authorities.
Advocates Ajit Kaswan and Ansar Indori stated that Alisha had applied for the Teacher Direct Recruitment Exam 2025, Level II Social Studies, conducted by the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board, Jaipur. She received a valid admit card.
According to the petition, exam staff refused her entry on January 18, 2026, at Tilak School, Sector 3, Mahavir Nagar Extension, Kota. The exam was scheduled from 3 pm to 5.30 pm. Alisha, a resident of Sanwatgarh in Bundi district, reached the centre on time with required documents. She alleges that officials objected to her hijab and stopped her from entering the hall, even though her admit card photograph showed her wearing a hijab and her face remained visible.
The petition argues that the action violated her rights under Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom, along with equality rights. It terms the denial arbitrary and discriminatory, stating that she was deprived of a public employment opportunity.
Alisha has sought a direction to allow her another chance to appear in the examination or conduct a special test. The plea also asks the court to frame guidelines permitting hijab in competitive exams with proper security checks.
The incident has drawn criticism from members of the minority community and social groups, who have demanded a fair inquiry. The next hearing date is awaited.
