New Delhi: Amid the growing controversy over wearing of hijab at educational institutes, Karnataka Police banned gatherings, protests and agitations near schools and colleges for the next two weeks with immediate effect from Wednesday.
According to the order issued by Karnataka Police, any type of gathering, protest or agitation is strictly banned within a radius of 200 metres from the gates of schools, PU colleges, degree colleges and any such institutions for the next two weeks, starting with immediate effect.
Earlier on Tuesday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had announced the closure of all high schools and colleges for the next three days across the state.
Taking to his Twitter handle, the CM said, "I appeal to all the students, teachers and management of schools and colleges as well as people of Karnataka to maintain peace and harmony. I have ordered the closure of all high schools and colleges for the next three days. All concerned are requested to cooperate."
While hearing the matter on Tuesday, Karnataka High Court had said "We will go by reason, by law, not by passion or emotions. We will go by what Constitution says. Constitution is the Bhagavad Gita for me. I have taken the oath to abide by Constitution. Let's keep the emotions aside," as quoted by Livelaw.
"Wearing of a headscarf is an essential part of Muslim culture," said senior advocate Devdutt Kamat, who appeared for the petitioners.
The ongoing row can be traced back to the beginning of January when some students in Udupi and Chikkamagaluru started wearing hijab to schools as a mark of protest after some of them were not allowed to enter the classroom for wearing the headscarves.