Stop Media From Chasing Hijab-Wearing Students & Teachers : PIL In Karnataka High Court

Advocate S Balakrishnan appearing for the petitioners Abdul Mansoor and others on Tuesday sought for an urgent hearing of the matter. A full bench of the High Court led by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, has now posted the matter for hearing on Wednesday.

As per the petition which has made around 70 media organisations as party respondents states that "In gross violation of the order of February 10, and in contempt of this Hon'ble Court, the respondent are demeaning, criminalising, and exposing the students and teachers who practice their religious identity by wearing hijab, komur and hayaab since 11.2.2022 onwards."

It is claimed that "The respondents are printing and telecasting visuals of the girl children, female teachers to increase their circulation, TRPs, at the cost of the reputation of these hapless and helpless of women and children which would cause grave and irreparable injury to their reputation amongst family members, relatives, friends and general public."

It is stated "Till yesterday, the children of all communities, castes, religions were seen walking together while going to the school campuses, sitting together in the classrooms, exchanging their thoughts, notes and books and in the afternoon, sharing their food. Now, the attempt of the media indicates that students of one faith move together and students of other faith encouraged and supported by goons are shouting slogans, threatening with dire consequences."

It is added "The whole educational atmosphere has been polarised and one set of students are criminalised. Under the circumstances, if the media houses are allowed to continue their nefarious activities, it would spoil not only the reputation of the students but also their future would be jeopardised."

The plea says that the freedom of press as envisaged under Article 19(1) of the Constitution of India is not absolute right and the same is subject to the reasonable restrictions provided under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. It is claimed "There is a possibility that the excessive adverse publicity beyond fair reporting may be made against the community of the petitioners not merely injures the reputation but also affects the fair administration of justice and violation of rights."

By way of interim relief the petitioners have sought for directions restraining the Respondents Nos. 3 to 73 from videographing and photographing children and teachers near to their schools while they were removing their hijabs and burqas till the disposal of the main petition, in the interest of justice and equity.

Case Title: Abdul Mansoor v. State of Karnataka

Case No: WP 3942/2022