Supreme Court to Hear Plea Against Hijab Ban in Mumbai College

The Supreme Court will soon hear a plea challenging the Bombay High Court’s decision to uphold a Mumbai college’s ban on wearing the hijab, burqa, and naqab. The HC ruled that the dress code is to maintain discipline and does not violate fundamental rights. The plea argues it infringes on religious practice and privacy rights.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday announced it would soon list a plea challenging the Bombay High Court's ruling supporting a Mumbai college's ban on hijab, burqa, and naqab within campus grounds. The high court affirmed that such dress codes are essential for maintaining discipline and do not infringe upon students' fundamental rights.

The ruling was initially challenged by students in their second and third year of a science degree course, claiming it violates their rights to practice religion and privacy. However, the high court maintained that prescribing a dress code is within the institution's rights under Articles 19(1)(a), 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution.

This controversy follows previous divided verdicts from the Supreme Court regarding a similar hijab ban in Karnataka, making this upcoming hearing crucial for establishing a conclusive legal stance on dress codes in educational institutions nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)