HC permits Muslim Girls to Wear Veils in Examination Hall

Kochi: The Kerala High Court, granted permission to Muslim girls to wear Hijab, their religious clothing while appearing for the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) that will be conducted on May 1. The order  made it clear that the candidates will be subjected to inspection by female invigilators in order to ensure smooth conduct of the examination with no further reports of malpractices or cheating.

CBSE, who is in charge of the examination restricted veils, headscarves, long sleeves, burqa, hijab etc. used by (Muslim)women in the examination hall because of reported malpractices during the exam last year  with the help of electronic devices, microphones etc. sewed on the candidate’s clothes. The May 2015 AIPMT had to be cancelled and re-conducted becauseof malpractices.

The ban was lifted on the basis of  a writ petition filed by Aminah Bint Basheer from Thrissur who pointed out that the board’s decision was  a violation of the fundamental right to exercise freedom of religion, under the Article 25(1) of the Constitution.