Kochi School Hijab Row: Parents Withhold Consent Letter

Kochi: The ongoing hijab controversy at Palluruthy’s St. Rita’s Public School continues as the parents of the student involved have not submitted the required consent letter. The school management has maintained a firm stance, stating that the student can only continue her education at the institution if she provides a written undertaking agreeing to attend school without wearing a hijab.

Despite the management’s clear position, the student’s father has indicated that a final decision on the matter has not yet been reached. Consequently, the student is not expected to attend school today. The school premises continue to be under police protection, a measure mandated by a directive from the High Court, underscoring the sensitivity and public attention surrounding the issue.

In a related development, the school management has formally responded to a notice issued by the Education Department. The management has expressed its grievance, suggesting that the department issued the notice without a thorough understanding of the facts. The Education Department had initially observed that the school authorities expelled the student for wearing a hijab. However, the school management contests this, asserting that they possess visual evidence of the student participating in various school events, including an Arts Day, while wearing a hijab. These facts are expected to be presented when the school approaches the court.

Further complicating the situation, a statement made by the Education Minister concerning the school’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) has also come under scrutiny. This particular aspect is also likely to be highlighted in the upcoming legal petition, indicating a multi-faceted challenge to the school’s standing and the department’s intervention.