Kerala HC Rejects Plea Against Headscarf in St. Rita’s Public School, Kochi

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Published on Oct 17, 2025, 05:41 PM | 3 min read

Kochi: The Kerala High Court denied to grant a stay on an order issued by the Deputy Director of Education (DDE), Ernakulam, directing St. Rita’s Public School, Palluruthy, to permit a Class 8 student to attend classes while wearing a headscarf that conforms to the school's uniform pattern. The Court dismissed the plea filed by the school management challenging the DDE's directive, reinforcing the student’s right to education and religious expression.

The controversy erupted earlier this month when the student, from a Muslim family, was reportedly denied entry to the classroom for wearing a "thattam-hijab"—a traditional headscarf worn by Muslim girls. Her father, Anas, filed a formal complaint, alleging that the student was made to stand outside the classroom for over an hour and was humiliated by a teacher.

“She is wearing the school uniform and covering her head with a thattam. My child’s fundamental rights are being denied,” said Anas, adding that he had not requested permission for a burqa, only a headscarf aligned with her faith.

Following the complaint, the Deputy Director of Education conducted an inquiry and submitted a report noting serious lapses by the school. The report stated that the school’s actions violated the student’s constitutional rights under Article 25 (freedom of religion) and the provisions of the Right to Education Act. It further clarified that the student may wear a headscarf as long as it adheres to the prescribed colour and pattern of the school uniform.

The school management, run by a Christian congregation, has disputed the claims made in the report. School principal Sr. Heleena Alby stated that the uniform guidelines—including the exclusion of headscarves—were made clear to all parents at the time of admission.

“The rules were clearly mentioned in the diary, and the parents were aware of them,” said the Principal. “A headscarf is not part of the prescribed uniform.”

The school also alleged that the student's father, accompanied by others, entered the campus and verbally abused staff, leading to a disruption in school functioning. Police protection was subsequently sought, and the High Court granted interim protection to the staff.

In response, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty directed the school to comply with the DDE’s findings.

“The school should allow the student to continue studies wearing the hijab that is part of her faith,” the Minister said. “No student should suffer such a plight in a state like Kerala that swears by secularism.”

He added that while uniform discipline is important, "no one has the right to deny a student her education."