Kerala’s General Education Minister V. Sivankutty announced on Tuesday that an eighth-grade student at St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy should be permitted to wear a hijab in accordance with her religious beliefs, following allegations that she was denied entry to school for doing so. The minister’s directive came after an inquiry by the Deputy Director of Education identified “serious lapses” on the part of the school authorities.
“The government will not tolerate any violation of constitutional rights or the values of secularism that Kerala upholds,” Minister Sivankutty emphasized. He reiterated that every student, regardless of their faith, deserves to be treated with dignity and allowed to pursue their education without discrimination.
The minister stated that while the school authorities may determine the color and design of the headscarf, they have been strictly instructed to address the mental distress experienced by the student and her family. A report on the situation is to be submitted by 11 a.m. on October 15, 2025.
St. Rita’s Public School, a private institution managed by the Latin Catholic Church, faced backlash after it reportedly refused entry to the Muslim student wearing the hijab on October 10, leading to protests and public discussion around the issue. The school maintained that the hijab violated its uniform policy.
In light of the incident, the school closed its doors on October 14 and 15. The Kerala High Court later provided police protection to the school after its management filed a writ petition citing safety concerns.
School principal Sr. Heleena defended the institution’s position, asserting that the dress code was clearly communicated to all students upon admission. She claimed that school staff had approached the student about compliance in a “loving way.”
Conversely, the student’s father argued that his daughter’s attire was non-disruptive and expressed a desire for dialogue with the school management. Bishop Yuhanon Mar Milithios questioned the school’s adherence to its uniform policy, asking, “What uniform rule is there for children that doesn’t apply to teachers?” He further queried whether other religious symbols, such as wearing a cross or a bindi, would also face restrictions.
This ongoing controversy highlights the tension between educational policies and religious expressions in Kerala’s diverse cultural landscape.
Tags: Kerala minister, hijab, student rights, constitutional rights, school policy
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