Hyderabad: AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the Allahabad High Court ruling on hijab in schools, calling the decision an attack on Islam and questioning the court’s authority to determine religious practices.
“This is our religion. We will decide what is necessary. Who are the judges to decide?” Owaisi said.
The remarks followed the dismissal of a petition filed by a student at a private school in Prayagraj. She had sought directions for the institution to allow her to wear a hijab along with the prescribed school uniform.
A bench comprising Justice J.J. Munir and Justice Indrajeet Shukla dismissed the petition on August 21. The court also held that wearing a hijab by Muslim women was not an essential religious practice in Islam.
Owaisi said judges should not decide what was important or unimportant in Islam. Instead, he maintained that Muslims should have the freedom to follow their religious beliefs.
Owaisi hijab ruling criticism focuses on constitutional rights
Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, Owaisi alleged that the judgment violated Articles 19 and 25 of the Constitution.
He also questioned the timing of the decision. At the same time, the Supreme Court was hearing issues related to essential religious practices in the Sabarimala case, he noted.
Owaisi expressed concern over the possible impact on Muslim girls’ education in Uttar Pradesh. He alleged that the ruling could push Muslim girls away from educational institutions.
Furthermore, the MIM chief reacted to the controversy surrounding Vande Mataram. He questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a greater patriot than freedom fighters such as Turrabaz Khan, Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi.
However, Owaisi said Muslims would continue contributing to India’s progress while remaining committed to their faith.
He criticised the RSS and BJP and argued that people did not need to compromise their religious beliefs to demonstrate patriotism.
Owaisi said India belonged to everyone. Referring to the Constitution’s Preamble, he pointed out that it begins with “We, the people of India” rather than “Bharat Mata”.
Finally, the MIM chief reiterated his opposition to the court’s position on the hijab and maintained that religious belief should not be linked to patriotism.