New Delhi: Home minister Amit Shah said that  he prefers students to wear uniforms to school rather than religious dress, but that his view could change after a court rules on the merits of a ban on the hijab in Karnataka schools. Karnataka's prohibition, which went into effect on February 5, provoked Muslim student and parent rallies, as well as Hindu student counter-protests, leading officials to close schools earlier this month.

Muslims, who make up nearly a third of India's population of 1.35 billion people, have criticised the ban on the hijab, a traditional Muslim headdress that covers the hair and neck, as just another proof of their marginalisation in the predominantly Hindu country. Home Minister Amit Shah said in a press briefing.

He stated, "It is my personal view that people of all faiths should embrace the school's dress code." "In the end, the country must determine whether it will run on the Constitution or on whims. My own opinion will only be valid till the court rules. And once the court reaches a ruling, I, as well as everyone else, should accept it."

After several Muslim students contested the ruling, the High Court of Karnataka will resume hearings on Monday with the state's advocate-general defending the ban.