Kerala’s CBSE school faces protests after a Muslim student wore a hijab, violating the uniform policy. The High Court orders police protection to ensure student and staff safety amid rising tensions and public unrest.
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KERALA: The Kerala High Court has stepped in to ensure law and order at a CBSE-affiliated school in Ernakulam, granting police protection to St. Rita’s Public School following protests over its refusal to allow a Muslim student to wear a hijab in class.
Justice N. Nagaresh passed the interim order on Monday, October 13, after the school management filed an urgent petition alleging mob activity and police inaction in the wake of growing tensions around its uniform policy.
Background of the Case
St. Rita’s Public School, a Christian minority-managed institution established in 1998, asserted that it has functioned in a secular and inclusive manner since its inception. The school emphasized that its students, irrespective of religion, are required to follow a common uniform policy, as clearly stated in clauses 30 to 33 of the school diary.
At the time of admission, both students and their guardians sign a written declaration agreeing to comply with the school’s uniform code. However, according to the petition, the issue began when a Muslim student recently started attending school wearing a hijab, which the management claimed violated the prescribed dress code.
The Incident and Escalation
When the school sought a written explanation from the student’s guardians, the situation reportedly escalated. On October 10, the guardians, accompanied by several others, allegedly forcibly entered the school premises, manhandled the security staff, and triggered a protest outside the gates.
The petition described the scene as chaotic, particularly distressing for Pre-KG students who were arriving at the time. The school claimed the incident disrupted classes, endangered the safety of children and staff, and disturbed peace in the locality.
Although the principal approached the local police station to complain, the school alleged that the police failed to provide protection, prompting the management to seek judicial intervention.
School’s Legal Arguments
The petitioner relied heavily on the Kerala High Court’s earlier decision in Fathima Thasneem & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Ors., where the Court held that individual religious rights cannot override institutional discipline and uniform regulations in educational settings.
The school maintained that its uniform policy promotes equality, unity, and secularism among students. It further alleged that the student’s guardians have since been contacting other Muslim parents to mobilize further protests, forcing the school to declare holidays on October 13 and 14 for safety reasons.
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High Court’s Directions
After hearing the matter, Justice Nagaresh directed the Kerala Police to ensure adequate protection for the school’s management, staff, and students. The protection will remain in force until the next hearing on November 10.
The Court also issued notices by speed post to the guardians of the student involved, seeking their response in the matter.
Appearance:
St. Rita’s Public School: Advocates Bimala Baby, Magi Pavithran, Roshan Shaji, Remya Thomas and Jasmine Ligy
Case Title:
St. Rita’s Public School v. Director General of Police Kerala & Ors.
