Students challenge college ban on hijabs, burkas, and naqabs, citing infringement of religious rights, seeking High Court intervention.
Nine students have taken legal action against their college's decision to ban hijabs, burkas, and naqabs in the classroom. The Chembur Trombay Education Society's NG Acharya and DK Marathe College enforced this ban, which the girls consider arbitrary and unfair.
According to the students' plea, the college circulated a notice on May 1 via WhatsApp, restricting attire such as burkas, naqabs, hijabs, badges, caps, and stoles. The petitioners, second and third-year degree students, argue that this directive exceeds the college's authority.
They assert that the ban on naqabs, burkas, and hijabs infringes upon their religious rights. Despite initially requesting the college to withdraw the restriction, the students received no favorable response from the management or principal. They then appealed to higher authorities, including the University chancellor and vice-chancellor, for intervention but to no avail.
Feeling unheard and facing a perceived violation of their fundamental rights, the students filed a petition in the High Court. They argue that the college's notice lacks legal basis and should be deemed invalid.
The students seek the High Court's intervention to nullify the ban, emphasizing their right to choose attire that aligns with their religious beliefs while preserving their dignity and privacy in the classroom.
The case is scheduled for a hearing next week before a bench led by Justice AS Chandurkar. The students hope for a favorable decision that upholds their rights and ensures equal access to education without discrimination.
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