Kerala hijab row: Minister orders Kochi school to let Muslim student wear headscarf

Kochi: Kerala education minister V Sivankutty has directed a private Christian-run school in Kochi to allow a Muslim girl student to continue her studies wearing a hijab (headscarf).

The directive came after St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy suspended classes for two days following a dispute with the student’s parents over her wearing a hijab. The issue sparked public debate about religious freedom and education rights in Kerala.

The minister sought a report from the school management after finding that the student had suffered mental distress due to being denied entry to class. The investigation by the Ernakulam deputy director of Education concluded that the school’s actions violated the Right to Education Act and the constitutional right to religious freedom.

“The report clearly shows that removing a student from class for wearing a headscarf is a serious violation of her rights,” Sivankutty said. “Kerala upholds secular values and no child should face discrimination for their faith.”

The minister has instructed the school to allow the girl to attend classes wearing a hijab, though the school may decide the colour and design of the headscarf to match its uniform policy.

The controversy also drew political attention after some local PTA members alleged that outside groups had influenced the dispute. However, officials said the focus now is on restoring normalcy and protecting the student’s right to education without bias.

(with agency inputs)