ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed a deep concern over the decision of the High Court of Indian State of Karnataka, restricting Muslim students from wearing hijab in educational institutions.
“The Indian high court’s decision has failed to uphold the principle of freedom to religious practices and impinges on the human rights,” said Foreign Office.
The FO said, “Equally sad is the fact that the judiciary in India which is expected to act as a bulwark against dehumanisation, stigmatisation and discrimination against minorities has completely failed to uphold the principles of justice and equality.”
“This decision marks a fresh low in the relentless anti-Muslim campaign where even the pretext of secularism is being weaponised to target Muslims.”
“It is feared that the flawed ruling by the High Court would fast track the pace of marginalisation of the minorities, especially Muslims and further embolden the Hindu-RSS zealots to target them with impunity,” the statement remarked.
According to the statement, “It is deeply concerning that the malicious trend of characterising Muslims as ‘others’ or ‘20%’ by prominent BJP leaders which was continuing with appalling impunity is now also being translated into decisions by the judiciary.”
The discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the grossly injudicious Indian Supreme Court judgement in the Babri mosque case were not distant memories, the statement recalled.
India, under its current dispensation, was oblivious to the fact that its so-called ‘secular’ credentials were fast waning much to the detriment of its minorities.
“Pakistan strongly urges the Indian government to ensure safety, security and protection of minorities, particularly Muslims, and their right to practice religion.”
“We also call upon the international community, the United Nations and relevant international organisations to play their role in prevailing upon India to arrest the tide of majoritarianism and discrimination in India and to ensure the protection of all minorities, especially Muslims,” the statement concluded.
Karnataka High Court upholds ban on hijab in class
An Indian court on Tuesday upheld a ban on the hijab in class in the state of Karnataka, a ruling that could set a precedent for the rest of the country which has a big Muslim minority.
The ban last month by the southern state sparked protests by Muslim students and parents, and counter-protests by Hindu students. The dispute has led to criticism that Muslims in the country are being further marginalised.
“We are of the considered opinion that wearing of hijab by Muslim women does not form a part of essential religious practice,” Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi of the High Court of Karnataka said in the judgement.
He said the government had the power to prescribe uniform guidelines, dismissing various petitions challenging the order.
Ahead of the verdict, Karnataka authorities announced closures of schools and colleges and imposed restrictions on public gatherings in some parts of the state to prevent potential trouble.
Last month, Federal Home Minister Amit Shah said he preferred students sticking to school uniforms instead of any religious attire.
Students who had challenged the ban in court had said wearing the hijab was a fundamental right guaranteed under India’s constitution and an essential practice of Islam. Reuters could not immediately contact the challengers.
Karnataka’s ban had led to protests in some other parts of the country too and drew criticism from the United States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
