Bangalore: The Karnataka High Court, which is hearing petitions against the ban on the hijab, has urged the state government to reopen educational institutions. The students have also been asked not to carry saffron shawls, scarfs, hijabs or any kind of religious flag inside the classroom. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi gave this arrangement in its interim order.

The court also made it clear that the order will be applicable only to those institutions where the College Development Committee has implemented a dress code or uniform for students. "We urge the state government and all stakeholders to open educational institutions and allow students to return to the classes as soon as possible. In view of the pending hearing of the respective petitions, we prohibit all students, irrespective of their religion and faith, from carrying saffron shawls, scarfs, hijabs, religious flags or such items in the classroom till further orders.'

Apart from Chief Justice Awasthi, the bench also includes Justice Krishna S Dixit and Justice JM Kazi. The court had passed the order on Thursday which was made public on Friday. After the ban on wearing religious attire in colleges, the Campus Front of India insisted that the hijab and the saffron shawl cannot be compared.

Controversy continues on Hijab issue, now Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed has given a statement

Break India and make new Muslim country 'Urdustan,' we will give funds; SFJ supports hijab dispute

Attempts to celebrate 'Hijab Diwas,' Section 144 imposed in many areas