Kochi: A private school in Palluruthy, managed by a Christian congregation, was forced to declare a two-day holiday on Monday following a dispute with the parents of an eighth-standard student over her wearing a hijab.

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) official alleged that the parents were supported by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), a pro-Islamist political group, and that some of its members misbehaved with the school authorities, who are mostly nuns. SDPI has not yet responded to the allegation.

The issue came to public attention after a letter from Sister Heleena Alby, Principal of St Rita’s Public School, announcing holidays on Monday and Tuesday, circulated on social media.

In the letter, the principal explained that pressure from a student who arrived without the prescribed uniform, along with her parents and certain outsiders, had caused distress among some students and staff, prompting them to request leave. After consulting the executive members of the PTA, the management decided to declare holidays on October 13 and 14.

“We aim to provide quality education in accordance with the freedoms guaranteed by the country and the rights of school managements, and we expect your continued cooperation,” the letter stated.

PTA member Joshi Kaithavalappil told PTI that the school had maintained a uniform dress code for the past 30 years, which students from all communities had followed.

“However, the parents of one student insisted on sending her with her head covered. Recently, they arrived at the school with a group and created a scene, causing panic among students and teachers. Hence, we decided to declare a two-day holiday,” he said.

Joshi added that the management had approached the Kerala High Court seeking police protection and received a favourable order. “The people who came to the school claimed they were from SDPI and did not behave properly with the sisters,” he alleged.

Speaking to the media, the student’s father said his daughter had joined the school only this academic year.

The school claims equality was affected because she wore a shawl over her head. Earlier, she was asked to remove it inside the classroom, but now they have started objecting even at the school gate,” he said.

He added that he had lodged complaints with the District Education Officer and the concerned minister. “If they don't allow her to cover her head, we will move her to another school,” he said.

Principal Sister Heleena told reporters that one student had raised concerns about maintaining uniformity within the school. She said the dress code had been clearly explained to the student’s parents at the time of admission.

“For nearly four months, the student had no issues with the uniform. But recently, she started wearing an additional garment over it,” she said.

The principal added that earlier, the student used to keep the extra garment in her bag. “When her mother approached us recently, we reminded her of the guidelines given during admission,” Heleena said.

On 10 October, the student again arrived wearing the extra garment. “She was taken to the conference room in the presence of a teacher, and her parents were called. The parent arrived with about six others and caused a disturbance. They even recorded videos on the premises while classes were in session,” Heleena said.

Officials from the Education Department later visited the school and conducted an inquiry.

Sister Heleena added that there were other reasons behind declaring the holidays. “Teachers and staff were feeling tense and needed a short break. Moreover, students were also given time to prepare for exams starting on Wednesday. The school will reopen that day,” she said.

Meanwhile, General Education Minister V Sivankutty reiterated that any modification to the prescribed school uniform would not be permitted, emphasising that the uniform rule applies equally to all students.

PTI inputs