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Hijab row in Kerala school, High Court grants police protection

A group of people on Friday stormed into the school in Kochi, demanding that a student be allowed to wear the hijab, which the parent-teacher association has said is contrary to the school’s uniform dress code

St Rita’s School in the Palluruthy area has been at the centre of the controversy after a student who took admission in June started attending classes wearing a hijab from October 8. (Source: File)

The Kerala High Court on Monday granted police protection for a CBSE-affiliated school in Kochi following a row over the demand for a student to be allowed to wear the hijab.

On Friday, a group of people had stormed into St Rita’s Public School in the Palluruthy area, demanding that a student be allowed to wear the hijab, which the parent-teacher association has said is contrary to the school’s uniform dress code.

The management of the school on Monday approached the High Court, seeking police protection. The school also declared holidays for two days to avert a law and order issue.

PTA president Joshy Kaithavalappil said, “She joined the school in June this year and followed the dress code — pants and shirt for girls — till October 6. At the time of admission in June, we had clearly mentioned the uniform, and the girl’s parents agreed. Of the 450-odd students, 117 are Muslims. Only one student wants to challenge the uniform, and the PTA is totally against this demand. We suspect the role of extremist elements behind the demand. Those who protested at the school are not local people.”

School principal Heleena Alby told the media that the girl and her parents were clearly briefed about the school uniform. “The school has been functioning since 1998. This is the first time that the school has witnessed such an issue. The parents and a group of people reached the school and created a commotion last Friday. Teachers and students are tense. Hence, we decided to remain closed for two days,” she said.

The girl’s father told the media that the family had approached the school three-four times, demanding the right to wear the hijab. “If my daughter wears a hijab, how will it lead to loss of uniformity,” he asked.

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty told the media that the educational officer has been asked to look into the matter. “All students have to follow the school uniform. There should not be a tense situation,” he said.

Shaju Philip

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

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