Supreme Court’s decision on hijab is a victory for religious freedom and equality: Sajida Parveen

Mumbai: Sajida Parveen, Secretary, Women’s Department, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Maharashtra welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court of India to stay the ban imposed on female students wearing hijab or niqab by a private college in Mumbai. The JIH Secretary hailed the decision as an affirmation of the fundamental right of religious freedom enshrined in our Constitution.

Sajida Parveen said, “We endorse the stand taken by the apex court while it questioned the validity of the ban, asking the Mumbai College whether it would also ban girls from wearing bindi or tilak in the college. This question highlights the discriminatory nature of the ban on hijab. The Supreme Court pointed out the inconsistency in the college’s argument that the ban was intended to prevent students from being identified by religion. Justice Sanjay Kumar rightly asked if the college would then identify the female students by their numbers?”

The JIH Women’s Department Secretary further stated, “Undoubtedly, this injunction of the Supreme Court will go a long way in protecting the unity of our country and in its great manifestation of diversity. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maharashtra believes that this order will set a strong precedent against any attempt to curtail religious freedom in the name of secularism. We request all educational institutions to respect the diverse cultural and religious identities of their students and create an environment of mutual respect and understanding. We encourage students and parents to continue to advocate for their rights in the face of such challenges. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maharashtra is committed to protecting the rights of all communities and it will stand against any policy or practice that seeks to undermine the principles of equality and justice.”