Supreme Court Halts Mumbai College Ban on Hijabs and Burqas

The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed a circular from a Mumbai college banning the hijab, burqa, cap, and naqab on campus. The court emphasized that girl students should have the freedom to choose their attire. Notices have been issued to the college, and responses are awaited by November 18.

The Supreme Court on Friday temporarily stayed a circular from a Mumbai college prohibiting the wearing of hijabs, burqas, caps, and naqabs on campus, emphasizing that girl students must have the freedom to choose their attire.

The court affirmed that educational institutions cannot impose their choices on students. The bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar issued a notice to the Chembur Trombay Education Society, which oversees the N G Acharya and D K Marathe College, asking for a response by November 18.

Expressing concern, the bench questioned why the college had not banned other religious symbols like 'tilak' and 'bindi' if the intent was to avoid revealing religious affiliations. While the court stressed that no burqa should be worn inside classrooms, it clarified that no religious activities are allowed on campus. The court's interim order must not be misused, and the college may approach the court if issues arise. The Supreme Court was hearing a plea challenging a Bombay High Court verdict upholding the college's ban.