The larger bench also set aside the arguments of petitioners seeking orders to the government for allowing students to wear hijab of the colour of their uniform to classrooms…reports Asian Lite News
India has strongly condemned comments on the country’s internal affairs by an intergovernmental organisation of largely Muslim-dominated nations, whose member states include Pakistan.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC, taking note of hate speeches in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar – which is already under police investigation – had expressed concerns over what it called “recent public calls for genocide of Muslims by Hindutva proponents.”
In a strongly-worded statement, the Foreign Ministry said issues in India are considered and resolved in accordance with constitutional framework and mechanisms, as well as democratic ethos and polity.
“The communal mindset of the OIC Secretariat does not allow for a proper appreciation of these realities. OIC continues to be hijacked by vested interests to further their nefarious propaganda against India,” the Ministry of External Affairs, or MEA, said in the statement, referring to the Jeddah-headquartered organisation that has 57 member states.
“As a result, it has only harmed its own reputation,” India said.
K’taka HC resumes hearing pleas on hijab row
The full bench of the Karnataka High Court comprising Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S. Dixit and Justice Khaji Jaibunnesa Mohiyuddin on Tuesday afternoon resumed hearing of petitions seeking directions to the state government to allow wearing of hijab in classrooms.
This is the third day of hearing by the three judge bench. The petitioner for girl students seeking order to attend classes wearing hijab will complete his submission through senior advocate Devdatt Kamat. On Monday, he had argued that the government can’t deny fundamental rights to students in the pretext of managing law and order situations. He also objected to the powers given to the College Development Committee to decide on uniforms.
On Monday, the bench had also refused to restrain media from reporting the proceedings as one of the counsel demanded that it will have effect on the elections of other states. The court had earlier given an interim order that no religious symbols are allowed for the students in schools and colleges until the final court. The order banned both hijab and saffron shawls in the school and college premises.
The larger bench also set aside the arguments of petitioners seeking orders to the government for allowing students to wear hijab of the colour of their uniform to classrooms.
However, petitioners moved the Supreme Court challenging the interim order banning hijab in classrooms. The state government has resumed classes till standard 10 and Pre-University Colleges are opening from Wednesday.
K’taka Congress Muslim leaders meet CM
Congress Muslim legislators met Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai here on Tuesday and expressed their displeasure over the manner few schools and colleges in the state were treating the students in connection with the hijab row.
The delegation, which met CM Bommai at his residence, also sought additional funds for the development and welfare of the minority community. KPCC Executive President Saleem Ahmad stated that they have brought the matter of ill-treatment to children at schools and colleges. “We have asked CM Bommai to stop the conspiracy with regard to the hijab row,” he said. The students must focus on education, he added.
There are invisible hands behind the hijab row. It is requested to abide by the court order in the matter. “We will bow our heads to the court’s decision on the constitutional basis. We are also confident of getting a decision which reflects constitutional values,” he said.
The government has also failed to manage the hijab versus saffron shawl crisis at schools and colleges, this has also been brought to the notice of CM Bommai.
Senior MLA Tanveer Sait stated that the delegation requested CM Bommai to check outside forces from interfering into matters of schools and colleges in the state. Whatever it is, the decision has to be made by the school management committee, college authorities and parents. “We have requested to maintain peace and order in academic institutions like before,” he said.
Congress MLA Nazeer Ahmad explained that schools and colleges where students wore hijab before the row must be allowed to attend classes with hijab. The court order has clearly stated this. But, few schools have denied permission for hijab wearing students. “We have discussed the matter with CM Bommai,” he said.
Objecting to teacher’s hijab exposes malice: NCP
NCP leader Majeed Memon on Tuesday said that the teachers removing hijab before entering schools in Karnataka ‘showed the malice behind it while objections on students could be arguable’.
“The objection to girl students wearing hijab in schools in Karnataka is arguable due to the prescribed uniform. But objection to teachers wearing hijab exposes malice behind it by those who create a scene on the subject,” Majeed Memon said.
The reaction comes after multiple videos surfaced in which it was allegedly shown that students and teachers were asked to remove hijab outside the gate of the school.
The Karnataka High Court on Monday adjourned hearing on the petitions filed in connection with the hijab row in schools and colleges till Tuesday. Last week, the high court had restrained students from wearing hijab or any other religious attire until further orders.
“Schools up to 10th standard have reopened today (Monday). A few incidents have been reported from various districts. A meeting would be convened to discuss the standard operating procedures. School managements, principals and parents share the responsibility of obeying the high court order. It will create a conducive atmosphere for the high court to deliver its final judgement. We should maintain restraint till then,” Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.
During the hearing on Monday, senior advocate Devdatt Kamat told the bench of Chief Justice Awasthi, Justice Krishna S. Dixit and Justice Khaji Jaibunnesa Mohiyuddin that the College Development Committee (CDC) has no legal statutory basis to frame rules on uniforms.
“The government’s decision in this regard shows lack of wisdom and a legislator heading the committee will decide on fundamental rights. It is not legal to restrict the wearing of hijab,” he argued.
Kamat stated that all Central schools run by the Central government are allowing the wearing of hijab and petitioners have been wearing hijab of the same colour as the uniform since long.
