Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Tuesday directed the management of a Christian-run private school in Kochi to allow a Muslim girl to continue her education while wearing a hijab, asserting that religious freedoms cannot be violated.

The directive came after a report from the Ernakulam Deputy Director of Education, who had investigated a dispute between the eighth-grade student’s family and St Rita's Public School, Palluruthy. The school had reportedly barred the student from wearing her headscarf, causing mental distress to both the student and her parents.

Minister slams rights violation

Referring to the inquiry findings, Sivankutty said, “The report states that the school's action was contrary to the fundamental religious freedoms guaranteed to citizens under the Indian Constitution.”

He also called the school’s action a “serious violation of duty” and a breach of the Right to Education Act.

“No educational institution will be allowed to violate constitutional rights,” the minister stated, adding that Kerala stands for secular values, and no child should face such distress over religious expression.

School asked to submit report tomorrow

The minister ordered the school’s principal and management to address the harm caused to the student and her family and submit a written report by 11 am Wednesday.

Although the school may determine the colour and design of the hijab, it must allow the girl to attend classes wearing it, the minister’s statement clarified.

Controversy triggers two-day school closure

The issue surfaced after the school had declared a two-day holiday, starting Monday, amid the ongoing dispute. A letter from principal Sister Heleena Alby, announcing the closure, circulated widely on social media. The letter cited pressure from the student, her parents, outsiders and even some staff members, requesting leave due to mental strain.

A school PTA member alleged on Monday that the parents were supported by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), and claimed that SDPI activists misbehaved with school authorities, who are primarily nuns.

Hibi Eden: Family open to resolution

Earlier in the day, Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden said that the girl's father had shown willingness to let her continue studying at the school, while respecting its rules.

The inquiry and subsequent ministerial directive followed a formal complaint by the student’s father to the Education Department.

PTI