Karnataka Government Removes Restrictions on Religious Clothing in Schools

May 13, 2026, 17:09
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The government of Karnataka has cancelled a 2022 order that banned religious symbols, such as the hijab, in schools and colleges where uniforms are required.

Main Body

The current administration has officially withdrawn the order issued on February 5, 2022, by the previous government. This original rule was created after a period of instability and public protests that began in Udupi in early 2022. Regarding the legal side of the issue, the Karnataka High Court ruled in March 2022 that the state had the right to enforce dress codes. However, the Supreme Court of India issued a split decision in October 2022, meaning the final legal result is still pending. According to the new guidelines from the Department of School Education and Literacy, students are now allowed to wear traditional items, including the hijab, turban, and sacred thread. These are permitted as long as they do not affect school discipline, safety, or the ability to identify students. The government emphasized that maintaining order is possible while still allowing these symbols. Furthermore, schools must not stop students from attending classes or taking exams because of these items. While uniforms are still mandatory, the government asserted that secularism requires schools to treat all personal beliefs equally.

Conclusion

The state has moved from a strict dress code policy to one that allows certain religious symbols, provided they are worn alongside the required uniform.

Learning

⚡ The 'Precision Shift': From General to Specific

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using 'general' verbs and start using 'precise' academic verbs. Look at how this text describes changes in law. An A2 student says "The government changed the rule." A B2 student describes how it was changed.

The Power Trio of Official Change:

  1. Withdraw →\rightarrow "The administration has officially withdrawn the order."

    • Don't just say: "Take back" or "Stop."
    • B2 Logic: Use withdraw when a formal decision, a promise, or a legal document is cancelled.

  2. Enforce →\rightarrow "The state had the right to enforce dress codes."

    • Don't just say: "Make people follow."
    • B2 Logic: Use enforce when talking about laws, rules, or boundaries. It implies authority.

  3. Assert →\rightarrow "The government asserted that secularism requires..."

    • Don't just say: "Say" or "Think."
    • B2 Logic: Use assert when someone states something with strong confidence, especially during a disagreement.

💡 Grammar Bridge: The "As Long As" Condition

Notice this phrase: "These are permitted as long as they do not affect school discipline..."

At A2, you likely use "If" for everything. To reach B2, you need Conditional Constraints.

  • A2: If they are safe, they can wear it.
  • B2: They can wear it as long as it is safe.

Why this matters: "As long as" creates a specific boundary. It tells the reader: "This is allowed, but only under this one specific condition." It makes your English sound more professional and less like a translation.

Vocabulary Learning

cancelled (v.)
to stop or end something that was planned
Example:The school cancelled the exam because of the storm.
withdrawn (v.)
to remove or take back something that was previously announced
Example:The government withdrew the order after public pressure.
instability (n.)
a state of being unstable, with frequent changes or uncertainty
Example:The country faced political instability after the elections.
protests (n.)
public demonstrations where people express their opposition
Example:Students organized protests to demand better facilities.
issued (v.)
to formally give or release something
Example:The court issued a new ruling yesterday.
rule (n.)
a principle or regulation that must be followed
Example:The school rule requires students to wear uniforms.
created (v.)
to bring something into existence
Example:The committee created a new policy for safety.
period (n.)
a length of time with a particular characteristic
Example:The period of the pandemic lasted two years.
public (adj.)
relating to the entire community or society
Example:Public protests were held in the city center.
legal (adj.)
concerning the law or lawful
Example:The legal side of the case was complex.
court (n.)
a place where legal disputes are decided
Example:The Supreme Court heard the appeal.
ruled (v.)
to decide or determine something in a formal way
Example:The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
enforce (v.)
to make sure that rules or laws are followed
Example:The police enforce traffic laws.
dress codes (n.)
rules about what people should wear
Example:The school has strict dress codes for all students.
decision (n.)
a conclusion or judgment after considering options
Example:The decision was announced after a long debate.
pending (adj.)
still awaiting a final outcome
Example:The case is still pending in court.
guidelines (n.)
instructions or recommendations to follow
Example:The guidelines help staff maintain safety.
students (n.)
people who are studying in a school or college
Example:Students submitted their assignments on time.
allowed (adj.)
permitted or approved
Example:The new policy allows students to wear cultural attire.
traditional (adj.)
relating to long-established customs or practices
Example:Traditional clothing is worn during festivals.
items (n.)
things or objects
Example:Students brought various items to school.
hijab (n.)
a head covering worn by some Muslim women
Example:The school now permits hijabs as part of the uniform.
turban (n.)
a head covering wrapped around the head
Example:The turban is an important cultural symbol.
sacred (adj.)
believed to be holy or revered
Example:The sacred thread is worn during religious ceremonies.
thread (n.)
a long, thin strand of material
Example:The sacred thread is made of cotton.
permitted (adj.)
allowed or authorized
Example:The new rules permit wearing religious symbols.
affect (v.)
to influence or have an impact on
Example:The new policy may affect school discipline.
discipline (n.)
order and control within a group
Example:Discipline is essential for a productive classroom.
safety (n.)
the condition of being protected from harm
Example:Safety regulations are enforced at all schools.
ability (n.)
the power or skill to do something
Example:The ability to identify students is crucial for security.