Kerala Hijab Row Escalates After Student Expelled, Government Intervenes Amid Political and Religious Rights Debate

National news:  At St. Rita’s Public School in Kochi, Kerala, a hijab controversy erupted after an eighth-grade student was prevented from entering class with her hijab. The incident spread quickly, sparking protests and media attention. Three Muslim students have already left the school. Opposition parties claimed this is a violation of educational rights. The matter has since escalated beyond the school level, drawing attention from political and social groups across Kerala.

Education department intervenes firmly

Following complaints, the Education Department conducted an inquiry. The report found the school violated the student’s Right to Education. The department ordered the school to allow hijabs with uniforms.

Family lodges formal complaint

The student’s father filed a complaint with Kerala’s Chief Minister. Deputy Director of Education Subin Paul visited the school, recording statements from the principal and other staff before filing a detailed report.

Minister supports religious rights

Education Minister V. Sivankutty declared on Facebook that wearing a hijab is a student’s religious right. He added schools may decide colors and design but cannot exclude students.

School management denies charges

The school denied wrongdoing. Principal Sister Helena Albi claimed the student was not stopped from class, only her father was consulted. The management cited a 2018 High Court ruling on uniforms.

Court and police step in

As tensions rose, the school declared a two-day holiday. The principal filed a police complaint, alleging disruption by the student’s father. The Kerala High Court later ordered police to maintain peace.

Politics deepens the controversy

The CPI accused Sangh Parivar of fueling tensions. Opposition parties condemned the incident as a constitutional violation. Society appears divided, with debates on whether uniforms should outweigh religious freedom in schools.