The Karnataka government has announced its decision to lift the ban on wearing hijab, according to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking at a gathering in Mysore, he stated that there was no longer an effective ban on hijab in the state, emphasizing that women have the freedom to wear whatever they choose. Siddaramaiah further expressed his support for individual choices in clothing and food, stating that everyone should be able to wear and eat as they please.
The ban on hijab in educational institutes was initially implemented in 2022 by the BJP government under Chief Minister B Bommai, sparking controversy. The Karnataka High Court upheld the ban, stating that hijab was not an essential religious practice of Islam and that dress codes could be decided by educational institutions. The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court, which delivered a split verdict. While one judge supported the state’s authority to enforce uniforms in schools, another judge regarded hijab as a matter of personal choice.
The withdrawal of the ban on hijab in Karnataka is expected to have a significant impact and is seen as a positive step towards promoting individual freedom and religious tolerance in the state.,
In a recent announcement by Siddaramaiah, a prominent politician from Karnataka, a progressive policy named “Wear What You Want” has been introduced. This policy aims to empower women by allowing them the freedom to choose their attire, including the option to wear hijabs. Siddaramaiah believes that every individual has the right to express themselves through their clothing choices, and this policy promotes inclusivity and diversity. By championing this initiative, he hopes to foster a more tolerant and accepting society, encouraging women to embrace their cultural and religious identities without facing any societal or political barriers. Siddaramaiah’s “Wear What You Want” initiative marks a significant step toward promoting gender equality and cultural harmony in Karnataka.
