Hijab Row: Karnataka Girls Seek SC Intervention for Permission To Take Exam In Hijab

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would “take a call” on listing a plea to allow girls to appear for exams in government schools of Karnataka wearing the hijab.

Exams in government schools in Karnataka are to begin on March 9. Girls in hijab are barred in the state from sitting in exams. The apex court had a split verdict on the hijab issue, following which wearing of the headscarf or hijab by girls is not permitted during exams in Karnataka. The petition by the Karnataka girls put this issue before a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.

“They are wearing headscarf. If they are wearing headscarf they are not allowed inside the examination hall. Only on that limited aspect, the court may consider listing it on Monday or Friday,” said their lawyer Shadan Farasat.

He told the bench, also comprising Justice PS Narasimha, that a few girls had moved to private institutes because of the prohibition on wearing hijabs but have to take their exams in government institutes. They risk losing another year if not permitted, he said.

“I will take a call,” the CJI replied.