Tension at Kochi school: Convent school closes for 2 days after student barred from wearing hijab; principal claims SDPI involvement

KOCHI: Tension grew at St Rita's Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi, after an eighth-standard student was barred from wearing a hijab - violating the prescribed uniform rules - eventually forcing the school authorities to lodge a complaint with the police, move the high court seeking protection and declare holidays for two days, on Monday and Tuesday. The girl's parents, meanwhile, filed a complaint to the chief minister, on his grievance redressal forum.

School authorities said the girl came wearing a hijab on Oct 7, prompting them to call up her parents and inform that she would not be allowed to sit in the class if she did not follow the uniform rule. The next day she wore a hijab again. While she did not turn up on Oct 9, she came back on Friday wearing a hijab, forcing the school authorities to call the parents again.

"On Friday, the girl's parents reached the school along with a group of people and questioned us. As they raised their voices, we closed the classrooms' windows and doors to ensure classes were not affected. We called police, who told them to follow the school rules. Later, we declared a holiday for the school on Monday and Tuesday. Rules and regulations of the school are applicable to all students. Giving an exception to one student is not possible. We told them during admission that these are our rules and they have to follow them. Now parents are saying that they are not ready to follow them," said school principal Sr Heleena Alby.

She alleged that one of the people who reached the school claimed he was part of SDPI.

The girl's father P M Anas Naina said: "I do not want to communalise the issue and ruin social harmony. I will collect my daughter's transfer certificate and seek admission for her in another school," Anas said. He alleged RSS and BJP members turned up at the school on Monday.

Education department authorities took statements from the school management and the girl's parents and will submit a report to the govt.

Meanwhile, Kerala high court on Monday directed the police to maintain law and order on the school premises.

The bench of Justice N Nagaresh issued the interim order in a petition filed by the St Rita's school manager, seeking adequate police protection in the wake of certain unpleasant incidents that occurred on Friday.

The court also issued notice to the respondents, including the state govt, and adjourned the petition to Nov 10.

According to the petition,

the guardian and his companions verbally abused the principal, teachers and PTA members, including the nuns who manage the institution.



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