SC says no to ban on Muslim dress

Friday, 25 July 2014 00:25 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Supreme Court yesterday issued directives to all National and Provincial schools to permit parents from entering the school attired in their Muslim cultural attire. When a Fundamental Rights Petition was taken up by a bench headed by Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, in to the prevention of a Muslim parent entering Janadipathi Balika Vidyalaya attired in a Hijab, the Chief Justice said that such cultural attire was permitted and within the legal rights of a citizen. Accordingly, the Bench directed the Attorney General to issue directives to all National and Public schools to permit any parent from entering the school attired in a Hijab. The Petitioner, a parent said that she was prevented from entering the school attired in a Hijab by the Principal. The same Principal is a respondent in a different Fundamental Rights petition where she had prevented a Muslim student from entering the school attired in a Punjabi attire, which comprises a shawl and trousers. The students petition is to be taken up on the 4th of August. The Fundamental Rights application by the parent was terminated today after all parties agreed to the settlement and the order made by the Chief Justice. (Colombo Gazette)

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