I have no right to write on the issue of the Hijab as a Hindu and as a man. However, I am writing on the subject as it sadly evolves as a tool to divide our communities.
The Hijab covering Muslim women from head to toe has become a point of consternation in educational institutions in a few States like Karnataka. After a prolonged standoff between communities, the government banned Hijab in educational institutions, which parties challenged in the courts. The High Court in Karnataka declared that the uniforms prescribed in schools shall prevail and that the government’s order proscribing religious attires was appropriate.
The matter went up to the Supreme Court and the two-member bench today gave a split verdict, with Justice Gupta claiming that the High Court’s order approving the ban of Hijabs by the government was in order. However, the other judge, Justice Dulia, dismissed the HC verdict on Hijab, stating that it was a matter of choice for those wearing it.
If Islamic religions or codes prescribe the Hijab is widely debated and could be more a convention and not a diktat. While it helps identify a particular community, the black dress also forces minority women into seclusion, wrapping them into isolation. Such steps may impede them from assimilation with the mainstream majority of women.
Interestingly in Iran, a more conservative Islamic country ruled by Sharia, voices against Hijab have snowballed into a national protest, which has spread globally. The Hijab must not become a tool to segregate and discriminate the Muslim women by force or fatwas. A radical few, accompanied by a few from the left and pseudo-seculars, must cherish the multitude and divergence of our culture and not turn it into a prestige issue.
The pitfall in rushing matters to the Supreme court is that the court would be forced to give an opinion that can only please some. It would be a point of no return, and one would be forced to obey the court order. Prudence is to avoid court and find solutions wherever possible by all concerned.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix