College students challenge hijab ban

Nine girl students from Chembur Trombay Education Society’s NG Acharya and DK Marathe College have approached the Bombay High Court challenging the college’s imposition of a ban on naqab, burka and hijab in the classroom, terming it as “arbitrary, unreasonable, bad-inlaw and perverse”.

- URVI MAHAJANI

A bench headed by Justice AS Chandurkar will hear the petition next week.

The petition sought the quashing of a notice cum message that was circulated on May 1 on the college WhatsApp group of faculty and students imposing a “dress code” restriction on burqa, nakab, hijab, badge, cap, and stole.

Such a directive was “nothing but colourable exercise of power”, contended the petitioners who are second and third year students of the college.

The notice said that “only formal and decent dress in the college”, the petition pointed out, stating that the college has indirectly categorised the naqab, burka and hijab as indecent attire. “However, the fact is otherwise,” the plea states, adding that as a citizen, they have a right to dignity and bodily integrity.

The petition alleged that the notice “targets religious beliefs and affairs” of the petitioners.