Siddaramaiah Government Revokes Hijab Ban Amid Growing Minority Discontent and Pressure from ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Wednesday officially withdrew the 2022 order that had banned students from wearing hijab in classrooms and issued a fresh directive permitting “limited traditional and practice-based symbols” in educational institutions, reopening a debate that had triggered nationwide political and legal controversy.
The earlier order, introduced by the previous BJP government in February 2022, had barred students from wearing hijab in classrooms on the grounds that educational institutions must strictly follow prescribed uniforms. The move had led to protests across Karnataka after several Muslim girl students were allegedly denied entry into classrooms and examinations for wearing hijab.
The Karnataka High Court had upheld the order in March 2022, ruling that wearing hijab was not an essential religious practice in Islam. Later, the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the issue, leaving the matter unresolved.
The Congress government’s latest decision comes amid increasing pressure from sections of the Muslim community, after not fielding a Muslim candidate in the Davanagere by-election and particularly due to the growing unity among Muslims under the banner and a massive program Karnataka Muslim Convention scheduled to be held on 16 May 2026. Community leaders had also questioned why the Congress government had not acted on its earlier assurances regarding the hijab issue despite being in power for nearly three years.
“Justice Delayed, But Welcome”
Reacting to the decision, advocate C.R. Imteyaz described the move as overdue and linked it to growing frustration among the minority community.
“It is a good decision, but it should have been taken long ago. Young Muslim girls were deprived of their constitutional rights for nearly five years after the BJP government imposed the hijab ban,” he said.
Imteyaz claimed that the Congress government had failed to fulfil several promises made to the Muslim community in its pre-poll manifesto. “After the Davanagere developments, the political atmosphere changed. Thousands of Muslim girls were forced to drop out because of the hijab ban,” he added.
Educationist Mohammed Fiaz Sharief termed the government’s decision “commendable” and said it reinforces inclusiveness and constitutional harmony within educational spaces.
“Education must remain a space where every student feels respected, confident and free to pursue aspirations without unnecessary barriers,” he said, adding that such decisions strengthen democratic and pluralistic values.
Attar Syed Murtaza Hussain also welcomed the move, stating, “Better late than never.” He said the decision reflects a balanced approach that respects both individual identity and social coexistence.
JIH Karnataka Calls Move a Positive Constitutional Step
Dr. Mohammed Saad Belgaumi, president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka, said the decision would help Muslim girl students continue their education “without fear, uncertainty or unnecessary barriers.”
“The withdrawal of the February 5, 2022 order is a positive step towards protecting constitutional freedoms, educational access and religious rights,” he said.
Belgaumi further noted that recognising hijab alongside other faith-based symbols reflects India’s pluralistic traditions. He urged the Education Department and educational institutions to ensure peaceful and non-discriminatory implementation of the new order.
“Educational institutions must remain spaces where students feel secure, respected and confident in pursuing their studies,” he added.
Women’s Organisation Welcomes Order, Warns Against Politicisation
Gowramma of the Janawadi Mahila Sangathane also welcomed the government’s decision, stating that students should neither be forced to wear nor remove traditional or faith-based symbols.
Gowramma demanded strict implementation of the order across schools and colleges and said no student should be denied entry to classrooms or examination halls as long as discipline, security and identification norms are maintained.
The group also criticised attempts to communalise school uniforms and educational spaces for political gains.
BJP Criticises Government’s Timing
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok accused the Congress government of reviving the issue for political purposes following backlash from minority groups after the Davanagere developments.
He alleged that the government was ignoring pressing issues such as inflation, corruption, farmers’ distress and law and order while focusing on “vote-bank politics.”
Ashok also questioned the decision to revisit the issue after the Karnataka High Court had upheld the 2022 dress code policy in the interest of discipline in educational institutions.
Siddaramaiah’s Earlier U-TURN Had Triggered Political Row
The latest order comes months after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had publicly indicated in December 2024 that he had instructed officials to revoke the hijab ban. However, he later took a U-Turn and clarified that no final decision had been taken and that the matter remained under discussion.
Speaking at an event in Mysuru district earlier, Siddaramaiah had said, “We have not revoked the ban yet. We are thinking about lifting the ban. We will discuss it at the government level before taking a final decision.”
His remarks had sparked criticism from BJP leaders, including former chief ministers B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai, as well as senior BJP leader Basangouda Patil Yatnal, who accused the Congress government of appeasement politics.
