Hijab row: PIL in Supreme Court seeks implementation of common dress code for equality, national integration

A plea has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Central and State governments to implement a common dress code in all registered and State recognised educational institutions across the country.

The PIL filed by 18-year-old Nikhil Upadhyay, comes in the backdrop of hijab row in Karnataka.

Also Read | Muslim students say hijab ban forces choice of religion or education

It claimed that a uniform dress code in educational institutions is essential to secure social equality, assure dignity and promote fraternity, unity and national integration.

"Common Dress Code is not only necessary to enhance the values of equality, social justice, democracy and to create a just and humane society but also essential to curtail the biggest menace of casteism, communalism, classism, radicalism, separatism and fundamentalism," the plea said.

The plea claimed that in countries like United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Singapore and China, all schools and colleges adhere to common dress code despite frequent challenges to the constitutionality of dress guidelines.

Also Read | A day after high court's interim order, hijab row enters Bengaluru

It also contended that dress codes have the ability to make students stop fidgeting, stop thinking about why their friend is getting more attention for their looks instead of them, and create a carefree attitude.

The row created in Karnataka after girl students protested against the ban in Udupi district has grabbed national and international headlines. The Karnataka High Court is examining the plea against the ban and is to take up the matter on Monday.

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