SC To Hear Plea Against Mumbai College’s Hijab Ban On Friday

The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea on Friday challenging a Bombay high court ruling that upheld a Mumbai college’s ban on wearing hijabs, niqabs, burqas, and similar attire. This comes after students requested an expedited hearing due to the start of their term exams.

Key Details

• Date of Hearing: Friday
• Petitioners: Students from NG Acharya & DK Marathe College, Mumbai
• Issue: Ban on religious attire at the college
• High Court Ruling: Upheld the dress code

The petitioners, represented by advocate Abiha Zaidi, argued that the college’s dress code, which prohibits religious attire, infringes on their fundamental rights. They claim the ban violates their freedom of expression and religious rights under the Constitution.

The case echoes a similar dispute from October 2022, where the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the hijab ban in Karnataka. Justice Gupta supported the state’s authority to enforce uniforms, while Justice Dhulia opposed the ban, highlighting it as a matter of personal choice.

The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision will address the broader issue of balancing religious freedoms with institutional dress codes.