The Karnataka government has withdrawn the controversial 2022 order that restricted hijabs in schools and colleges, allowing students to once again wear limited religious symbols along with their uniforms.
The decision marks a major policy shift nearly four years after the hijab issue sparked protests, political arguments and legal battles across the country. Under the new order, students in educational institutions can wear symbols linked to their faith, including hijabs, turbans and sacred threads, as long as they do not affect discipline or identification.
The state government said the move was aimed at protecting students’ right to education while also respecting religious freedom. Officials maintained that no student should feel excluded from classrooms because of personal beliefs or cultural identity.
The original restriction was introduced in 2022 by the then BJP government after protests erupted in parts of Karnataka over Muslim students wearing hijabs inside classrooms. The issue quickly grew into a nationwide debate over school uniforms, religious freedom and constitutional rights.
At the height of the controversy, several students had approached the courts challenging the restrictions. The Karnataka High Court later upheld the government’s order, ruling that wearing the hijab was not an essential religious practice under Islam. The matter had also reached the Supreme Court, where judges delivered a split verdict.
Since coming to power, the Congress government had repeatedly indicated that it would reconsider the ban. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior ministers had earlier argued that education should not become a victim of political or religious divisions.
The latest order formally revokes the earlier directive and restores permission for limited religious symbols in classrooms. However, officials clarified that institutions would still be allowed to maintain dress codes and discipline within campuses.
