Hijab Row at Kochi School Sparks Safety Concerns, Political Outcry, and Temporary Closure
Student barred for wearing hijab; school receives threats, shuts down temporarily amid rising tensions.
Kochi: A hijab-related controversy at St. Rita’s School in Palluruthy, Kochi, has triggered a wider debate in Kerala over religious freedom, institutional discipline, and student safety. The issue came to light when a Muslim student was allegedly barred from attending classes for wearing a hijab, which the school said violated its uniform policy.
Following the incident, the school received threats from certain groups demanding that the hijab be allowed. Citing safety concerns for over 600 students, the management temporarily shut down the school for two days.
The student’s father has filed complaints with both Kerala’s Chief Minister and the Education Minister, alleging that his daughter suffered mental harassment simply for wearing the hijab. He called the school’s actions discriminatory and in violation of basic rights.
However, school authorities claim the student had been adhering to the uniform code for four months before suddenly resuming the hijab last Tuesday. They allege this decision was made under external influence, and defended their stance as an attempt to maintain discipline and uniformity, fearing that individual exceptions could create pressure on other students.
The controversy escalated when former BJP state president K. Surendran entered the debate, accusing both the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress of encouraging “extremist elements.” He criticized the state government for its silence and demanded the immediate reopening of the school, saying hundreds of students were being denied their right to education because of threats and inaction.
The incident has sparked strong reactions across Kerala, with civil society, parents, and political leaders debating the fine line between personal religious expression and institutional rules. Many have raised concerns about student safety, while others question whether rigid uniform policies infringe on constitutional rights.
As the situation remains tense, authorities and community leaders are being urged to step in to de-escalate the issue and find a balanced resolution that respects both school discipline and individual freedoms. For now, the school remains shut, and the debate continues to stir public opinion across the state.
