Karnataka: The three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S Dixit, and Justice Khaji Zaibunniisa Mohiyuddin continued the hearing of a bunch of pleas submitted by Muslim students of the Government Pre-University College for Girls, Udupi, and other educational institutes, challenging Hijab ban inside classrooms.
Advocate General arguing on behalf of the state, said that the CDC determines to restrict all religious symbols in educational institutions. The HG today pointed out a statement on College Development Committee given by Adv Gen Prabhulin Navadg during the last hearing said, “The CDC is not a statutory body. It is constituted under the circular.”
Only women judge of the panel today counter questioned asking, “ I would like you to explain whether essential religious practices also come under the freedom on conscience”. The context of conscience and religion came when the Advocate General said that the question of essential religious practices does not arise when talking of freedom of conscience to which, the high court stated, “The constituent assembly suggested that even people who don’t believe in God should be protected under Article 25. Conscience and religion are two different but mutually existing concepts.”
Meanwhile, the body of the 26-year-old Bajrang Dal activist Harsha, who was allegedly murdered last night in Shivamogga, was taken to his residence amid high police security after the autopsy. Large numbers of workers of Hindu organizations joined in.
The Karnataka HC hearing the pleas issued an interim order which directed students not to wear any religious attire to school or colleges. Protest citing the interim order has been flaring up in the Udipi district.