St Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi, reopened on Wednesday after a two-day closure. The closure was prompted by a dispute over a Class 8 student’s right to wear a hijab. The student, whose parents insisted on her wearing the religious headscarf, was absent from classes due to health reasons, according to school sources.
The school management had declared a holiday for Monday and Tuesday . This decision followed an escalating disagreement with the student’s parents. The controversy centered on the school’s established uniform policy and the student’s adherence to her religious practice. A significant police presence was observed around the school premises on Wednesday morning to ensure order. Media personnel were not permitted entry onto the campus.
Minister Intervenes, Affirms Student’s Right
State General Education Minister V Sivankutty intervened in the ongoing matter on Tuesday . He explicitly reaffirmed the student’s constitutional right to wear a hijab in school. Minister Sivankutty declared, “The student can attend the classes wearing a hijab until she and her parents decide otherwise.”
He further emphasized that the Constitution of India and existing educational laws in Kerala guarantee students’ rights. These legal frameworks protect the ability of students to express their religious beliefs, including wearing appropriate religious attire. The Minister’s statement aimed to provide a clear legal position on such practices within educational institutions.
However, Joshy, the president of St Rita’s Public School’s Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA), raised concerns. He stated that the PTA had not yet received any official government order on the matter. Joshy also questioned the precise scope of the Minister’s directive, seeking clarification on whether it applied broadly to all schools, including CBSE-affiliated institutions like St Rita’s, or was specific to government-run educational facilities.
Timeline of the Dispute and School Closure
The dispute gained wider attention after a letter from the school’s principal, Sister Heleena Alby, surfaced on social media. The letter detailed the immediate circumstances that led to the two-day holiday declaration. Sister Alby’s communication indicated significant internal and external pressure regarding the student’s uniform. She specifically noted that the student, her parents, certain individuals not associated with the school, and a few staff members and students had requested leave. These requests collectively cited mental stress as the primary reason for their desired absence.
The school authorities’ decision to declare a holiday from Monday was an attempt to de-escalate the tense situation. This move prevented further immediate confrontations on campus while allowing time for resolution. The Minister’s intervention on Tuesday followed these developments, directing a specific course of action.
Minister Sivankutty’s directive to the school was unequivocal: allow the Muslim student to continue her education while wearing her religious headscarf. In addition, he formally requested a detailed report from the school authorities. This report was specifically sought to address the initial denial of the student’s religious rights. The Minister stated that this denial had caused the student mental distress, necessitating an official inquiry.
The incident at St Rita’s Public School highlights ongoing legal and social discussions in India. It underscores the complex balance between institutional uniform policies and students’ fundamental rights to religious expression. The clear stance taken by the state government through Minister Sivankutty reflects a commitment to protecting these constitutional guarantees within Kerala’s educational system.
This event serves as an important case study for students and educators on navigating religious diversity and individual rights in school environments. It emphasizes the role of legal frameworks in resolving disputes concerning personal freedoms and institutional regulations.