Palluruthy, Kochi: St Rita's Public School, a church-run institution in Palluruthy, Kerala is preparing to challenge a report by the Deputy Director of Education (DDE) in the Kerala High Court, following allegations that the school forced out a student for wearing a hijab.

Joshi Kaithavalappil, President of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), told PTI that the DDE's report was prepared “without a proper inquiry.”

“We have decided to approach the Kerala High Court against the report. It was prepared without hearing from the school management or the PTA properly or assessing the situation. Our lawyer will soon file a petition challenging its findings,” Kaithavalappil said.

The DDE's report alleged that the school violated the student's right to education by objecting to her wearing a hijab and effectively forcing her out. The school, however, strongly denied the accusation, insisting the student was never barred from attending classes.

The eighth-grade student has reportedly been absent from school on Wednesday and Thursday.

“We learnt that she is unwell. The mid-term examinations are currently on,” Kaithavalappil added.

The girl's father confirmed her condition, stating that she was both physically unwell and emotionally distressed following the incident.

“She has a fever and is very disturbed. We will ask her whether she wants to continue at the same school. Only if she agrees, we will send her back,” he said.

He further described the toll the controversy has taken on their family:

“We are ordinary people. It was a small issue that snowballed into a major controversy. We hope it is settled now,” he added.

Amid reports that the PTA had demanded a written undertaking from the parents that the student would attend school without a hijab, Kaithavalappil clarified:

“We have not communicated any such decision to the parents. While some parents raised the issue, no final decision was taken.”

The student's father also refuted claims of any such demand:

“No such demand was made to us till now,” he said.

The issue began when the school objected to the student's hijab on the grounds of its dress code policy, prompting backlash and protests. The school declared a two-day holiday earlier this week in response to the tension. On October 10, the student's family, along with others, visited the school and questioned the management's stance.

In the wake of the controversy, the Kerala High Court directed police to provide protection to the school premises.

General Education Minister V. Sivankutty initially criticised the school’s actions but later said the matter had been resolved amicably.