Supreme court issued guidelines on wearing hijab in Exams

Updated on: Tuesday, August 04, 2015

hijabThe Supreme Court on Friday issued strict guidelines denying to let the AIPMT (All India Pre-Medical Test) Muslim girl students wear hijab while writing AIPMT examination. The Supreme court also advised that not wearing the hijab during AIPMT examination would not affect their faith and it won't vanish if it is not worn on a specific single day.

The hijab is nothing but a scarf which is worn by the Muslim girls as a part of their dress, according to their religious belief.

This directive from supreme court comes three days after the Kerala High Court permitted two Muslim girls to wear a headscarf and a full-sleeve dress for the July 25 test, under the condition that an invigilator can check them if required. The petition on this issue was put forward by an Islamic organisation, which was turned down by the Supreme court as according to it everyone is equal in the eyes of the law and there are some strict rules and guidelines to be followed to maintain the ethics in AIPMT exams.

A bench led by Chief Justice H L Dattu told the counsel for the petitioner, the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) of India that they won't vanish if they do not wear the hijab just for a single day on AIPMT exam.

CBSE announced the dress code after the supreme court directed it to re-conduct the pre-medical test held on May 3. This move was initiated by the Board's complaint that some candiates used devices hidden in their garments to cheat the examiners.

AIPMT exam which was to be held on May 3, was scheduled later after the news that the question paper was leaked out. After that incident, a notification was issued by the CBSE  stating that any of the items which would provide a way to cheat, such as belts, scarf, cap would not be allowed inside the examination hall.

It has been observed that the CBSE's decision on the dress code, which is directed to stop copying, is irrational and against certain religious beliefs. While some stated that the CBSE was going overboard with its unusual safety concerns to hide its failure to stop cheating, the Board, on the other hand, stressing its dress code to be necessary.

More Education news