BENGALURU: A three-judge bench of the Karnataka High Court, hearing petitions on the hijab controversy, directed the state government on Thursday to reopen schools in the state.

As the bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S. Dixit, and Justice Khaji Jaibunnesa Mohiyuddin began hearing the case, the Chief Justice instructed Advocate General Prabhuling Navadagi to open schools throughout the state.

"School closures are not a good thing. Take the necessary steps and hold classes. Make certain that no problems arise "He stated.

In the midst of tensions and even violence over the issue, the state government announced a three-day holiday for all schools and colleges in the state beginning Wednesday.

The petitioners arguing for hijab stated that wearing hijab is not harmful to students. Hijab is a fundamental right that causes no harm to others, so they should be allowed to wear hijab of the same colour as their uniform, they argue, arguing that the government issued a uniform circular "hurriedly." The petitioners also requested that the bench issue an interim ruling.

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