Amicable solution to hijab controversy at High Court 

KOCHI: Amicable solution in the High Court to the dispute related to the student from the Palluruthy St. Ritas School not allowed to attend classes for wearing a headscarf (hijab) along with her uniform. This comes after the parents informed that the child will not continue her studies at the school, and they do not want to escalate the issue. Justice V.G. Arun closed the further proceedings in the petition after the school authorities and the government took a favourable stand.

The court said that communal harmony, which is a fundamental principle of the Constitution, must prevail. The High Court was considering the petition filed by the school manager seeking cancellation of the notice issued by the Ernakulam DEO, citing the school authorities' lapses in the hijab issue. The student and her father, who are parties to the case, were present in the court. Their lawyer informed that the child will not be continuing her studies at the Palluruthy school and does not want to escalate the issue. He alleged that the management's petition will aggravate the issue.

However, the school authorities said that the directive was to adhere to international standards in uniform and discipline and that there was no intention to isolate anyone. They stated that they were ready to resolve the issue amicably through mediation. The government also took a stand that there was no need to continue the dispute and legal proceedings. The single bench disposed of the petition, stating that there was no need for special mediation efforts and that a solution could be found in the High Court itself.