BANGALORE: The High Court's decision to forbid the hijab in Karnataka's educational institutions is being appealed in a number of petitions, and the Supreme Court will rule on those petitions on Thursday.

The state's hijab controversy has split the student body along racial and ethnic lines and posed problems for law and order. The jury's decision, according to experts, will directly affect the student population. Already politicised, there are communal forces at work on this issue.

The hijab issue gave the BJP, which is in power, a boost by dividing Hindus, particularly the younger generation. Hindu organisations launched a saffron shawl movement in schools to protest the wearing of the hijab in class and were supported in their efforts.

Experts opine that the issue will affect the state, as the 2023 Assembly elections are six months away. Surya Mukundraj, general secretary of the Congress Legal Cell, asserted that the hijab controversy has been politicised. This has evolved into a societal problem. There was never any conflict between students of this nature.

Girls were pitted against girls in the classroom. The hijab controversy wasn't a major problem. He claimed that the BJP, which is currently in power, brought it up to distract from the scandal and corruption involving former minister K S Eshwarappa.

"I believe the girls should not have hurriedly brought the matter before the court. Second, it should have been done in accordance with the government directive. But everyone has the legal right to an education. The hijab-wearing ban will restrict students' access to higher education. Education for the girls shouldn't be denied them. We anticipate that the Supreme Court will take into account each of these factors when reaching its decision" he said.

The majority of Muslim students complied with the government's mandate and did not wear the headscarf while attending courses and taking examinations.

The plea filed by six Udupi Government Girls College students asking the Karnataka High Court to issue directives to the BJP-controlled government allowing them to wear the hijab and attend courses was denied.

Many organisations spoke out in support of the cause. The Karnataka High Court's decision to dismiss petitions and rule that wearing a headscarf is not a requirement for practising Islam was criticised by Muslim organisations. The Muslim organisations were accused by the Hindus of disobeying court orders and local laws. They had issued a call to boycott Muslim artisans and traders.

The ruling is likely to have an effect on Karnataka's law and order situation as well as the educational sector.

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