Karnataka’s reversal of ban: ‘Hijab doesn’t need politics or permission… we are happy for those after us’

The Karnataka government has withdrawn an order that effectively barred wearing of hijab in pre-university colleges. The order, passed in 2022, restricted students from wearing the head scarf, leading to protests and communal tension. The withdrawal of the order allows students to wear limited religious- or faith-based symbols along with the prescribed uniform. This move is seen as a victory for students who were previously forced to choose between wearing the hijab and attending classes.