In a highly publicized controversy over school uniforms and religious rights, Kerala’s Education Minister V. Sivankutty directed a Christian-run school to allow a Class 8 student to attend class wearing a hijab, citing constitutional protections and student welfare.
The dispute began when St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi barred the student from entering class for wearing a religious headscarf, claiming it violated its uniform policy. The row escalated, prompting the school to seek police protection via the Kerala High Court.
Following an inquiry by the Deputy Director of Education (DDE), the minister stated the report revealed serious lapses by the school, amounting to violations of the Right to Education Act and religious freedom guarantees.
Sivankutty ordered the school management to allow the student to continue her studies wearing the hijab, while ensuring the school defines permissible colours and designs to maintain uniformity. He also asked for a report and urged sensitivity to the mental anguish caused to the student and her family.
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