Karnataka govt withdraws hijab ban order, allows limited traditional and faith-based symbols in schools

The Karnataka government withdrew the February 5, 2022 order and issued fresh guidelines permitting limited traditional and faith-based symbols along with prescribed uniforms in schools and pre-university colleges across the state. The new order allows items such as hijab or headscarf, turban, Janeu (sacred thread), Shivadhara and Rudraksha, provided they do not affect discipline, safety, identification or the functioning of educational institutions. It directs that no student should be denied access to classrooms, examinations or academic activities solely for wearing these symbols. It frames secularism as equal respect, institutional neutrality and non-discriminatory conduct, and endorses the inclusive principle of Iva Nammava (He/She is ours).

An incident on April 24, 2026, in which a student’s sacred thread, Janeu, was allegedly cut at a school during an examination, sparking controversy in the state.

The previous BJP government issued an order that effectively banned hijab in government educational institutions, triggering debates and later protests and legal challenges.

The hijab row triggered statewide protests and legal battles after the government barred students from wearing the hijab in government educational institutions.