Supreme Court to Hear Plea on Mumbai College’s Hijab Ban
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a plea challenging the Bombay High Court’s decision to uphold a ban on wearing hijabs, burqas, and naqabs at a Mumbai college. The plea was filed by students from Chembur Trombay Education Society’s NG Acharya and DK Marathe College, who argue that the ban violates their fundamental rights to privacy, dignity, and religious freedom.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra assured that a hearing date would be set soon. The Bombay High Court had dismissed the students’ plea in June, stating that it would not interfere with the college’s decision. The college argued that the ban applies to all religious symbols and aims to ensure that students focus on education without revealing their religion.
The High Court’s order stated, “We are satisfied that the instructions issued by the college under which a dress code has been prescribed for its students do not suffer from any infirmity so as to violate the provisions of Article 19(1)(a) and Article 25 of the Constitution of India. The object behind issuing the same is that the dress of a student should not reveal his/her religion, which is a step towards ensuring that the students focus on gaining knowledge and education, which is in their greater interest.”
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions on legal issues that affect the whole country.
plea -: A plea is a request made to a court asking for a specific decision or action. In this case, students are asking the court to change a rule they think is unfair.
Bombay High Court -: The Bombay High Court is a major court in the state of Maharashtra, India. It makes important legal decisions for the region.
hijab -: A hijab is a headscarf worn by some Muslim women as a part of their religious practice. It covers the hair and neck but leaves the face clear.
burqa -: A burqa is a full-body covering worn by some Muslim women. It covers the entire body, including the face, with a mesh screen to see through.
naqab -: A naqab, also spelled niqab, is a face veil worn by some Muslim women. It covers the face, leaving only the eyes visible.
Chembur Trombay Education Society -: This is an educational organization in Mumbai, India. It runs several schools and colleges, including NG Acharya and DK Marathe College.
NG Acharya and DK Marathe College -: This is a college in Mumbai, India, run by the Chembur Trombay Education Society. It offers various courses for students.
rights to privacy, dignity, and religious freedom -: These are basic human rights. Privacy means keeping personal information safe, dignity means being treated with respect, and religious freedom means practicing your religion freely.
