Religious minorities unhappy with Chief Justice for scarf remarks

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By IndiaTomorrow.net,
New Delhi, 30 July 2015: Religious minorities are dismayed at the oral comment of Chief Justice of India (CJI) H.L. Dattu over scarf which was banned by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for the 25th July All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT). Rejecting a plea challenging the CBSE dress code for AIPMT on 24th July, the CJI had reportedly said that if one didn’t wear scarf for three hours her faith will not disappear. Expressing their displeasure over his comment, representatives of some religious minorities at a press conference here on Wednesday said the Constitution allows all to wear as per their religious belief and the CJI should not have made such comment. The press conference was organized by Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) which had challenged the CBSE dress code in the Supreme Court.

“The CBSE should not play with the religious rights that the constitution of our country has given to every citizen. If the apex court supports any such action of CBSE it is not right. It seems CBSE has taken decision without much deliberation,” said Fr. MD Thomas, Director, Institute of Peace & Harmony Studies, Delhi while addressing the press conference.

The Supreme Court on 24th July had refused to allow aspirants appearing for AIPMT to wear a hijab, saying that “your faith won’t disappear” if it is not worn on a particular day.

According to The Indian Express, the bench led by Chief Justice H L Dattu told the counsel for SIO: “On a day when you have to sit for an exam, you are being asked not to wear it. Your faith won’t disappear if you appear for the exam without a scarf.”

On day of exam on 25th July, a nun with headscarf was not allowed to entre the exam hall in Kerala. A Muslim girl was also not allowed with scarf in Lucknow.


L-R (SIO President Iqbal Hussain (4th), Mohammad Salim Engineer, Secretary General, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (5th) Fr. MD Thomas (6th) and Layeeq Ahmed Khan (National Secretary, SIO)

Fr. Thomas said: “If the apex court gives any judgement taking into account the point of only one party and neglects other it would be against law and constitution and rights of citizens.”

Mohammad Salim Engineer, Secretary General, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, also expressed his sorrow over the CJI’s remarks.
“We feel sad at the comment of Chief Justice of India that if one removes her scarf for three hours, her faith will not vanish. It is the violation of her basic rights whether she is the nun of Kerala who decided to leave exam but not her religious identity and symbol of faith or a Muslim. Some Muslim girls also announced that they will sacrifice the opportunity to become doctor but won’t compromise on freedom,” said Salim Engineer.

He alleged that the BJP government at the centre was trying to diminish religious identities of minorities.
“Since the BJP government came to power at the centre, they have been implementing their own agenda which includes crushing of all different religious identities.”

Buddhist leader Banthe Mahanam said: “The constitution of our country allows everyone to practice their faith and religion and wear clothes as per their custom and faith.”

Addressing the press conference, National President of SIO Iqbal Hussain said: We support that exam should be held fairly and all malpractices and irregularities should be curbed. But to achieve the goal, faith, belief or fundamental right of any person should not be violated.

Layeeq Ahmed Khan (National Secretary, SIO of India) announced to launch a nationwide protest demonstration over the issue.

“We seek apology from Chief Justice of India. We are going to launch a nationwide people’s protest by taking all communities together against this remark and will send our memorandum to President of India to pressurize Chief Justice to make immediate apology,” he said.

At the press conference, two Muslim girl students also express their views.

“India is a multi-cultural and multi-religious country where all types of people live. They have their own values and faith which they have followed from their ancestors. There is no question of opposing frisking but their faith should not be hurt,” said one student.

Another commented: “We wear headscarf or burqa for our dignity and identity. Such remarks are not acceptable.”

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