16/05/2026
Women India Movement Welcomes Withdrawal of Hijab Ban; Urges Government to Complete Official Procedures in the Supreme Court.
Shahida Thasneem General Secretary of
Women India Movement has welcomed the Karnataka state government for its decision to withdraw the hijab ban. She stated that this is a significant step towards respecting the education of girl students, religious freedom, and constitutional rights. It also described the move as a victory for sustained legal and people’s movements.
The Congress government, which came to power with the assurance that it would withdraw the hijab ban in its very first cabinet meeting, remained deaf to the concerns of women’s education for three years. Though delayed, the decision finally taken in this regard is welcome.
Due to the hijab ban, thousands of girls were deprived of education. Women India Movement had carried out a strong and continuous struggle against the hijab ban.
However, as the case related to this issue is still pending in the Supreme Court, WIM has urged the government to immediately undertake the necessary legal procedures and inform the Court that the hijab ban order issued by the previous government has been officially withdrawn.
She emphasized that wearing the hijab is part of women’s constitutional,religious and personal rights, and no girl student should face obstacles to education because of it. Protecting education and rights is the responsibility of the government, she asserted.
Shahida Thasneem further urged the government to take clear and swift action in this matter and ensure the complete protection of the rights and dignity of girl students.
