9 students move Bombay HC against ban on burqa in city college

MUMBAI: Nine students of N G Acharya and D K Marathe College, Chembur, have moved Bombay High Court against its ‘dress code’ that bans wearing of burqa, hijab and naqab in the classroom.
“...the naqab and hijab are integral part of petitioners’ religious beliefs. That apart, it is the free will and choice, nay right to privacy of the petitioners to continue wearing naqab and hijab in the classroom of senior college,” states the petition by SYBSc, TYBSc and Computer Science students.
The petitioners said an undated notice was initially posted on the college's website.
On May 1, a notice-cum-Whatsapp message was circulated by an assistant professor that for the 2024-25 academic year a dress code is applicable to all students. “Girls are allowed to wear only Indian or western dress but non-revealing full formal dress... Only after removing the burqa, naqab or hijab at ground floor, students are allowed to move around in the college,” the petition added.
The college did not explain under which provision of law they have imposed restriction/ban on a particular clothing/dress, the petition said. The students raised their grievance with the chancellor and vice-chancellor of Mumbai University and University Grants Commission requesting to intervene “to upkeep the spirit of imparting education to all citizens without discrimination” and cause withdrawal of the ban.
They even wrote to the state department of higher and technical education and the central ministry of education. They urged HC to quash the notices stating the academic year will commence and they will not be allowed in the classroom due to the restrictions.
On Friday, Justices A S Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil before whom the matter was mentioned by advocate Altaf Khan posted the hearing on June 19.