Verdict on ‘Hijab row’ draws flak

SRINAGAR — Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah have expressed disappointment over the verdict of the Karnataka High Court with regard to Hijab row.

The three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Justice Krishna S Dixit and Justice JM Khazi delivered their verdict on the ongoing Hijab controversy, stating that Hijab is a non-essential part of Islam. The Court also dismissed all petitions challenging the ban on Hijab.

While expressing her disappointment over the verdict, Mehbooba Mufti said that Karnataka HC’s decision to uphold the Hijab ban is deeply disappointing.

“On one hand, we talk about empowering women yet we are denying them the right to a simple choice. It isn’t just about religion but the freedom to choose,” Mehbooba said.

Omar Abdullah, while expressing disappointment, said that he was really disappointed by the verdict of the Karnataka High Court. “Regardless of what you may think about the Hijab, it’s not about an item of clothing, it’s about the right of a woman to choose how she wants to dress. That the court didn’t uphold this basic right is a travesty.”