“Don't spread these things to national level”: SC says no to early hijab hearing

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to give an urgent hearing to a mention by two Muslim girl students in connection with the hijab row in Karnataka and said the apex court will interfere only at an appropriate time.

Appearing for the girl students, senior advocate Devadatt Kamat said the Karnataka High Court has asked all students not to display their religious identity through dresses till further orders and this violated the rights of the girls.

While refusing to give an urgent hearing, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana observed: "Don't spread these things to a national level. We will interfere only at an appropriate time."

The CJI told Kamat: "You are talking about constitutional rights of a section of the society. We are for the protection of constitutional rights of every individual, every community."

Kamat requested that the petition be heard on Monday. The Chief Justice said: "Wait. We will list at an appropriate time." He added: "We know what is happening in the state and are aware of the hearings before the High Court. Is it proper to bring the issue to the national level at this stage? We will interfere, if need be, at an appropriate stage."

The Supreme Court said constitutional rights were available to each community and it will protect them.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Karnataka, said there should be no attempt to politicize the issue. (UNI)