‘Issue was raised two months ago too’: Haveri college principal on hijab-saffron shawl controversy

HAVERI: A controversy erupted at CG Bellad Government First Grade College at Akki Alur in Haveri district, as students wearing saffron shawls protested against their peers wearing hijabs to class on Friday.

The students claimed they were protesting the administration’s alleged inaction on enforcing uniform rules. Principal Veeresh Kammoor stated that the college requires students to wear prescribed uniforms inside classrooms, with some concessions made for individual cases. A meeting with staff and parents is scheduled to address the issue.

The situation began when some students wore hijabs to class, prompting others to wear saffron shawls in protest. The college had previously warned students against wearing hijabs, and the issue had been raised two months ago. The principal emphasised that the college would take appropriate measures after discussions with students and parents.

#WATCH | Haveri (Karnataka): On Hijab-Saffron controversy in Haveri district’s Akki Alur College, Principal Viresh Kammoor says, “… Since yesterday, when college resumed regularly around 11:30, some students have been coming to campus wearing saffron shawls. When asked about… pic.twitter.com/9zf6LC3eFJ

— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2025

“Since Thursday, when college resumed regularly around 11.30 am, some students have been coming to campus wearing saffron shawls. When asked about it, they replied that some students wear hijabs to class and that they would only remove their shawls when they remove their hijabs. This issue was also raised two months ago, but at that time we had managed to convince them…” the principal stated.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, a group of Hindu students entered classrooms wearing saffron shawls, claiming it was a protest against the administration’s alleged inaction over the dress code. The students alleged that despite repeatedly flagging the matter, the college had not taken any steps to enforce uniform rules equally.

Responding to the situation, Principal Veeresh Kammoor clarified that the institution requires all students to wear the prescribed uniform inside classrooms, although some concessions are made in individual cases. He stated that the college will hold a meeting with staff and parents to address the issue and arrive at a resolution.

“Before entering the classroom, they wear different clothes. But there is a rule that all students must wear college uniforms inside the classroom. If there is a problem with an individual student, they are given a concession. The students had brought it to my attention about coming to class wearing a hijab. But today, after a female student came to class wearing a hijab, the boys came wearing saffron shawls. A meeting of the college staff and parents of the students will be called to resolve this problem,” he said.

The previous BJP government in the State had imposed a Hijab ban on students in educational institutions. The matter reached the Karnataka High Court, which also upheld the ban imposed by the then-BJP government. In this regard, the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict, leading to the Karnataka High Court verdict being upheld. (ANI)