Bombay High Court Dismisses Plea Against Hijab Ban in Mumbai College

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a plea filed by nine female students challenging a ban on wearing hijab, niqab, burkha, stole, and cap on campus by a Mumbai college. The decision was made by a division bench of Justices A S Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil.

Background

Earlier in July, the students, who are in their second and third year of a science degree course, opposed the directive issued by Chembur Trombay Education Society’s NG Acharya and DK Marathe College. The students claimed that the ban violated their fundamental rights to practice their religion, right to privacy, and right to choice.

Arguments

Advocate Altaf Khan, representing the students, argued that the dress code was imposed without legal authority and violated the students’ rights to choice, bodily integrity, and autonomy. He distinguished this case from a similar one in Karnataka, noting that the Mumbai college did not have a pre-existing uniform policy.

On the other hand, Senior Counsel Anil Anturkar, representing the college, stated that the dress code was a disciplinary measure and was not targeted at any specific community. He emphasized that the dress code applied to all students, regardless of their religion or caste.

Court’s Decision

The court refused to interfere with the college’s decision and dismissed the petition, upholding the college’s dress code policy.