Hijab Row: Supreme Court issues notice to Karnataka government, pulls up petitioners for seeking more time

The high court decision upholding the state’s ban on wearing the hijab in educational institutions was challenged in a number of petitions, and the Karnataka government was given notice of those petitions by the Supreme Court on Monday. However, the court took issue with some Muslim parties’ requests for more time. The Karnataka High Court’s […]

The high court decision upholding the state’s ban on wearing the hijab in educational institutions was challenged in a number of petitions, and the Karnataka government was given notice of those petitions by the Supreme Court on Monday. However, the court took issue with some Muslim parties’ requests for more time.

The Karnataka High Court’s decision to outlaw the hijab on March 15 was challenged by some of these parties, and the Supreme Court informed them that “forum shopping” would not be permitted.

“This is not acceptable. You asked for early hearing time and again… Now it is listed, you ask for (more time). We will not permit forum shopping. That’s all,” Justice Gupta, heading a two-judge bench, said on being told that a letter seeking more time had been circulated.

The petition was unexpectedly scheduled for hearing on Sunday, according to a lawyer representing those contesting the High Court decision, and other lawyers now have to fly to Delhi from locations like Karnataka. However, the bench, which also included Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, maintained that Karnataka is merely a 2.5-hour flight away.