Understanding India’s Hijab Debate in Educational Institutions
The discussion around hijabs in Indian classrooms has moved beyond isolated incidents, becoming a central point of contention between institutional dress codes and fundamental constitutional freedoms. Schools and colleges across the country have responded in various ways—from outright bans and discouragement to attempts at negotiation—leading to police reports, official inquiries, and legal challenges.
The core question remains: how absolute can a school uniform policy be? India presents a complex picture where states implement different rules, and individual institutions apply their own interpretations. This results in varied responses from parents, educators, and community leaders, who must balance adherence to discipline with respect for personal dignity, and institutional unity with individual choice.
Every such incident serves as a stark reminder that India’s education system faces the dual challenge of maintaining order in classrooms while upholding the rights enshrined in the republic. The path forward requires crafting clear, thoughtfully designed dress codes that allow for reasonable accommodations, preventing arbitrary decisions from becoming de facto policy. Let’s explore five recent significant hijab-related incidents that have highlighted this delicate balance in India’s educational spaces.
October 2025: A Stand-off at St. Rita’s Public School in Kerala
A controversy erupted at St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi, when an eighth-grade student wore a hijab, which was deemed a violation of the school’s uniform regulations. The school initially prevented the student from attending classes until she conformed to the dress code. After repeated non-compliance, the school declared a two-day holiday and filed a police complaint.
The principal, Sr. Heleena Alby, emphasized that uniform rules must apply equally to all students, making exceptions impossible. She further alleged that the student’s parents, accompanied by a group, verbally abused staff and assaulted security personnel, necessitating police intervention. The Kerala High Court subsequently ordered police protection for the school and postponed a related petition until November 10.
The student’s father, P. M. Anas Naina, stated he had no intention of communalizing the issue and would seek admission for his daughter elsewhere.
July 2025: Allegations of Forced Hijab Removal at Chatra’s Plus Two Girls School
In Marwari Mohalla, Chatra, ten Class 9 students at Plus Two Girls School claimed their principal forcibly removed their hijabs. Principal Neetu Kumari Prajapati refuted these allegations, explaining that the school’s policy only required girls to keep hijabs in their bags during school hours and wear them upon departure. She also denied any physical assault.
Despite the students reporting to Sadar Hospital with claims of assault, medical examinations found no injuries. Police and education officials concluded that the accusations seemed unfounded following their initial investigations. Confiscated mobile phones were returned to the students.
Chatra’s Sub-Divisional Officer, Jahur Alam, highlighted the absence of any official guidelines on hijab wearing in schools, deeming the school’s actions both unnecessary and contentious.
July 2026: Coercion Claims at Central University of Karnataka
An assistant professor at the Central University of Karnataka in Kalaburagi faced accusations of compelling female students to wear hijabs during an educational trip to local Islamic cultural sites. The Legal Rights Protection Forum formally complained, requesting disciplinary action against Assistant Professor Abdul Majid.
University Registrar R.R. Biradar confirmed the complaint’s receipt and announced the formation of an internal committee to investigate the matter.
May 2025: Outcry Over Hijab Video at Khalsa Girls Inter College, Meerut
A video from Khalsa Girls Inter College in Meerut went viral, showing a Muslim student alleging she was denied entry to class for wearing a hijab. She stated she was instructed to remove her hijab to be admitted. The college, however, denied any discrimination, asserting that no rules prohibited the hijab and that many Muslim students attended without issues.
District School Inspector Rakesh Kumar initiated an inquiry into the incident, which drew significant criticism from Muslim community leaders and activists who called for clear policies to safeguard religious rights in educational settings. The student’s family declared they would not send her back until assurances of non-discrimination were provided.
August 2024: Students Sent Home for Hijabs at Janta Inter College, Bijnor
At Janta Inter College in Mahua village, Bijnor district, several students wearing hijabs were sent home. The principal had directed them to return with white scarves and two-plait hairstyles. This led to protests from parents and a subsequent police investigation.
District Inspector Jai Karan Yadav reported that parents eventually agreed to comply with the dress code after discussions. The principal maintained that uniform rules should be applied consistently to all students, irrespective of religious affiliation.
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