By Muslim Mirror Staff
A bandh has been called in protest against the ban imposed on wearing hijab in schools and colleges of Karnataka. This comes after the state’s high court upheld the ban on Tuesday after several days of hearing.
Maulana Sagheer Ahmed Rashadi, Karnataka Ameer-e-Shariat, called for the bandh in a video message. “We urge all Muslims and like minded people to participate in the bandh on protest of the verdict which we believe against the soul of Indian Constitution,” he said.
He further urged to participate in the bandh voluntarily and not force anyone to shut down his/her shop.
The call for the bandh has been backed by student organisation Campus Front of India and other groups as well.
Hijab wearing students have been targeted and harassed by Hindutva goons with the support of state apparatus. Several such students have been barred from classrooms and many of them have decided to boycott exams and classes over being asked to take off their hijab.
Unfortunately, the high court that upheld the hijab ban does not looks a bit concerned about education of the hijab-wearing students or the harassment they faced at the hands of right-wing goons.
The court verdict has been denounced by various Muslims organisations. Jamiat Ulam-e-Hind called it “disappointing”. It added that the verdict would have a direct impact on religious freedom.
Commenting on the same, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said that courts can’t dictate citizens to wear against their conscience and faith.
Popular Front of India called hijab an “integral” part of Islam while rejecting the court’s observation that covering heads is not an “essential” practice in Islamic faith.
The verdict has been challenged in the Supreme Court. Lawyers pressed for urgent listing of the case. However, the top court said it will consider listing it after Holi.
