The petition was filed through advocate Altaf Khan after the college denied entry to several junior college girls wearing hijab.
Aggrieved by the dress code, the students (petitioners) approached the Court stating that these instructions were illegal, arbitrary and unreasonable.
The plea highlighted that the college, affiliated to Mumbai University and aided by the State of Maharashtra, had no power and authority to issue directions giving out such restrictions and that the notice could not be sustained.
“The college/ trust did not explain under which provision of law they have imposed restriction/ban on particular clothing/ dress. Thus, the notice/ direction is liable to be quashed and set aside,” the plea stated.
Naqab and hijab are an integral part of the petitioners’ religious belief and it is their free will, choice and a part of their right to privacy to continue wearing the naqab and hijab in the classroom, the plea said.
Further, the plea underlined that the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines aim to increase access to higher education for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, Muslims, and other communities, and that the National Education Policy promotes inclusivity.
Source: Barandbench
