Supreme Court Stays Hijab Ban In Mumbai College, Asks Why Tilak And Bindi Were Exempted

The apex court of India has temporarily halted a circular issued by a Mumbai college that banned the wearing of hijabs, niqabs, burqas, caps, and similar attire on its premises.

However, the court has clarified that burqas would not be permitted inside classrooms, and no religious activities would be allowed on campus according to a report by the Hindustan Times.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar questioned the college's selective ban on religious symbols, asking why the prohibition did not extend to other religious markers like tilaks and bindis if the goal was to enforce a uniform dress code.

The bench further emphasised that female students should have the freedom to choose their attire and criticised the college administration for suddenly enforcing such a rule.

"It's unfortunate that you suddenly wake up to know that there are many religions in the country," the bench remarked.

Justice Kumar further questioned, "Can you say someone wearing a tilak will not be allowed? This isn't part of your instructions, is it?"

The apex court was hearing an appeal challenging a June verdict by the Bombay High Court, which had declined to intervene in the college's decision to enforce the dress code ban.

The controversy began on 1 May when the Chembur Trombay Education Society's NG Acharya & DK Marathe College issued a notice in its official WhatsApp group, which included faculty members and students.

The notice outlined a dress code banning hijabs, niqabs, burqas, caps, badges, and stoles on the college premises.

Nine female students in the second and third years of a science degree program challenged the directive, arguing that it violated their fundamental rights, including the right to practice their religion, right to privacy, and right to choose.

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