Hijab Issue - Speedy Investigation Needed Against "Unseen Hands" At Work To Create Social Unrest : Karnataka High Court

A full bench led by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi said, "From the submissions made on behalf of the Respondent – Pre – University College at Udupi and the material placed on record, we notice that all was well with the dress code since 2004."

It added, "We are dismayed as to how all of a sudden that too in the middle of the academic term the issue of hijab is generated and blown out of proportion by the powers that be. The way, hijab imbroglio unfolded gives scope for the argument that some 'unseen hands' are at work to engineer social unrest and disharmony."

During the hearing the bench had called for a report from the state government on the students organisation, Campus Front of India. Senior advocate S S Naganand appearing for the government PU college had said, "Its principal and lecturers had alleged that the so-called student protests are being organized by the 'Campus Front of India', purportedly a radical organization, following denial of its request by the authorities for wearing of hijab."

He had also informed the police that an FIR was registered by a teacher. Following which the Advocate General had in a sealed cover placed on record the progress report.

The bench in its order said, "We are not commenting on the ongoing police investigation lest it should be affected. We have perused and returned copies of the police papers that were furnished to us in a sealed cover. We expect a speedy & effective investigation into the matter and culprits being brought to book, brooking no delay."

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Kar) 75

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