How Karnataka hijab row unfolded, spread
In Karnataka :
An incident of about six students from Government PU College for Girls, Udupi, demanding they wear hijab inside classrooms comes to light. During admission, they were informed about the rules and nobody had objected, the college says.
Students claim the undertaking they signed at the time of admission spoke only about wearing uniform and identity cards
Another attempt is made to solve the headscarf row at the Udupi college. It’s decided that students can wear hijab in classrooms; however, once the teacher arrives and classes begin, they will have to remove it. In case they do not agree, they will have to wait for government orders.
Karnatakaa government decides to set up expert committee to decide on uniform and dress code. It directs colleges in Udupi to maintain status quo till panel takes a final decision. On January 28, even as the college betterment committee at the Government PU College for Girls starts discussions with Muslim leaders and parents to end the hijab crisis, Campus Front of India states it will continue to support the girls.
Jan 31: MLA Raghupathi Bhat says action will be initiated against students who enter classrooms wearing hijab Five Muslim girls from Government PU College for Girls, Udupi, approach high court seeking a declaration from it that they have a fundamental right to practise essential religious practices, including wearing of hijab as per Islamic faith, on college premises. On February 1, six students denied entry into classroom.
Feb 2: Controversy erupts in another government college — in Kundapur — as 28 girls sport hijab and about 50 boys don saffron shawl. MLA Haladi Srinivas Shetty requests students to follow prescribed uniform.
Feb 2: Some students protest against those wearing hijab in Sir MV Government College in Bhadravathi, Shivamogga.
Feb 3: Controversy flares up in Kundapur Junior College as nearly 28 Muslim students denied entry for wearing hijab. It spreads to Bhandarkar’s Arts and Science College and later to Government PU College.
Feb 4: A group of students from government PU college in Ramadurga, Belagavi, comes to class draping saffron shawls on Feb 1. But incident comes to light on Feb 4.
Feb 8:Tension grips Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College in Udupi after Hindu students wear saffron turbans and shawls to counter students sporting hijab Govt declares 3-day holiday from Wednesday as high court hears petition filed by students.
Updated by Divya Mangulam