New Delhi, August 25: The Allahabad High Court has made it clear that students cannot change the dress code of any educational institution based on personal preferences, intensifying political debates surrounding the issue.
The court dismissed a petition that sought to direct school authorities to allow a student to wear a scarf along with the prescribed dress code of the institution. This petition was filed by a minor studying in a private school in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The student had completed her high school education and was set to enroll in the 11th grade at the same school.
This ruling has sparked discussions about institutional dress codes and the right of individuals to follow and express their religious traditions.
On one side, some leaders have supported the court’s stance, arguing that educational institutions have established dress codes, discipline, and rules that students must adhere to. Conversely, others contend that students should not be prevented from practicing their religious beliefs within the educational system.
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated, “This should not become a source of communal tension. I believe that no one should attempt to create communal disputes or tensions in the name of the hijab. Educational institutions have their dress codes, discipline, and rules that everyone should respect. The Allahabad High Court has reiterated this.”
CPI MP P. Santosh Kumar emphasized that while dress codes symbolize equality, students should also be allowed to maintain their religious identities and practices. He added, “Dress is mandatory. However, this issue has been a topic of controversy for years. A student has the full right to uphold their religious beliefs. The right of any individual to believe in and practice their chosen religion or faith cannot be undermined, and we must protect that.”
Vinod Bansal, national spokesperson for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), supported the court’s decision, noting that courts have repeatedly addressed questions related to the hijab and burqa. He stated that neither are part of Islam, Islamic beliefs, or the Quran, and that Indian civilization does not dictate that innocent young girls should be held captive by extremist mindsets.
He also questioned the necessity of segregating students based on their religious identities, stating, “Schools aim to teach students values like equality, unity, honesty, and brotherhood. Why would you want to isolate them based on their religious identities?”
Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan took a different approach, describing the act of wearing a hijab or covering one’s head as a matter of personal choice. He noted that traditions of head covering exist among various communities in India and argued that this issue should not be a major point of contention. He suggested that such topics are often raised to distract from more significant issues.
Senior advocate and BJP leader Nalin Kohli remarked that the Allahabad High Court’s decision appears to align with various Supreme Court rulings concerning the question of ‘essential practices’ of any religion. He pointed out that students attend schools to receive education, and institutions not established on religious grounds typically enforce a uniform dress code for all students.
Leave a Comment