Kochi, Kerala: A controversy erupted this week after an eighth-standard student at St Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi, was initially barred from wearing a hijab to school, prompting a temporary closure of the institution and widespread public debate. The school, which is run by a church organization, had announced a two-day holiday on Monday and Tuesday after tensions escalated between the management, the student’s parents, and a few staff and students.

The Incident

On Monday, the student was reportedly not allowed to attend classes while wearing her headscarf. The situation came to public attention after a letter from the school principal, Sister Heleena RC, circulated on social media. The letter stated that pressure from the student who did not adhere to the prescribed uniform, along with the reaction of her parents and some outsiders, caused several students and staff to cite mental stress and apply for leave. Following discussions with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), the school decided to declare holidays on October 13 and 14.

School’s Stand

The school, through a PTA official, clarified that its uniform dress code had been in place for 30 years, with students from all communities complying. “However, the parents of one student insisted on sending her with her head covered. Recently, they arrived at the school with a group and created a scene, causing panic among students and teachers. Hence, we decided to declare a two-day holiday,” the PTA official told reporters.

The principal explained that the student had questioned the need for uniformity but had previously followed the school’s dress code for about four months. She said the student recently started wearing an extra piece of clothing over the uniform, which led to the conflict.

Response from the Girl’s Family

The student’s father said the school initially asked his daughter to remove her hijab inside the classroom. He noted that the objection later extended to even wearing the scarf at the school gate. The father claimed that the school argued her headscarf affected equality among students. Complaints were filed with the District Education Officer and the state education minister regarding the issue.

Ministerial Intervention

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty stepped in to resolve the matter. On Wednesday, he directed that the student be allowed to attend classes wearing her hijab. The minister emphasized that students’ rights are protected under the Constitution as well as relevant education laws. He asked the school authorities and management to ensure that the student and her parents do not face further emotional stress.

The minister’s intervention followed a report from the Ernakulam Deputy Director of Education, which found serious lapses by the school authorities. The report described preventing the student from attending classes because of her headscarf as serious misconduct and a violation of the Right to Education Act.

Legal Measures

During the controversy, the Kerala High Court provided police protection to St Rita’s Public School after the management reportedly requested it. The precaution was aimed at preventing any escalation of tensions while the matter was under administrative review.

Broader Context

This incident reflects ongoing debates in Kerala and across India regarding religious attire in schools and the balance between institutional uniformity and individual rights. While church-run and private schools often maintain uniform codes, the enforcement of such rules can sometimes clash with students’ religious practices, leading to disputes.

In this case, the resolution came through administrative intervention ensuring that the girl could continue her education without discrimination while the school maintains its prescribed uniform policy for other students.

Current Status

As of Wednesday, the school reopened, and the student has been allowed to attend classes while wearing her hijab. Minister Sivankutty and local authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent further disruptions and ensure the student’s rights are upheld.

The incident underscores the importance of clear policies in schools regarding religious attire and the need for dialogue between management, parents, and authorities to resolve conflicts without infringing on students’ constitutional rights.