Bangalore:
A three-judge full bench of the Karnataka High Court will hear petitions on the ‘hijab’ row on Thursday, with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai urging everyone, including politicians, not to make provocative statements and maintain peace.
The chief minister will hold a meeting with ministers and officials of the education and home departments later in the day, with an aim to take some measures to restore cordial and peaceful atmosphere and discipline in educational institutions.
“The issue on uniform dress code in educational institutions has been transferred to a three-judge bench of the High Court and the hearing will begin today at around 2:30 pm. Holidays have been declared for schools and colleges to avoid any disturbance among students.” It is the duty of everyone to see that there is no provocation by outsiders and law and order is to be maintained,” Bommai said.
Talking to reporters here, he said that everyone should take the decision of the court as it is a matter and everyone should respect it in a democracy.
He said, “I appeal to all, whoever had to give their statement or comment on this issue, they have already done so. Now, everyone should stop and wait for the court’s decision. One should not make such a statement that disturbs the peace and should restrain oneself.” added.
A full bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S Dixit and Justice JM Khaji will hear the petitions on the hijab controversy in the afternoon.
A single bench of Justice Krishna S Dixit had on Wednesday requested the Chief Justice to refer all the petitions to the larger bench.
Further, noting that he has called a meeting with the Education Minister and officials to which the Home Minister has also been invited, the Chief Minister said: “We will investigate in detail the incidents so far and take some measures for the purpose of To restore cordial and peaceful atmosphere and discipline in schools and colleges. When asked whether the three-day holiday announced in schools and colleges would be extended, he said, “Let us see, it will be decided in the evening meeting.”
On Congress’s allegation that a minister’s son distributed saffron shawls to students, Bommai said, “There are allegations and counter allegations from both sides, I do not want to comment on it. In fact, I am calling. To prevent such things, it will not help anyone. People in responsible positions should be sensible and sensitive on the issue related to students.”
As further protests against the hijab intensified in various parts of Karnataka and turned violent at some places, the government declared a three-day holiday from Wednesday in all high schools and colleges in the state.
Last week, the government issued an order making it mandatory for its students in schools and pre-university colleges across the state to have prescribed uniforms or management of private institutions.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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