Thiruvananthapuram, 15 Oct 2025

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty changed his position on a hijab dispute at a Kochi school. He now says the matter should be settled at the school level if there is already a consensus.

Minister's Changing Stance

Sivankutty first said the student could wear a hijab to class. He said this was a right given by the Constitution. Later, he softened his stance. He said if the school and parents have agreed, the matter can end there. But he stressed that no one can deny a student's right to education. Sivankutty first said the student could wear a hijab to class. He said this was a right given by the Constitution. Later, he softened his stance. He said if the school and parents have agreed, the matter can end there. But he stressed that no one can deny a student's right to education. Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Wednesday softened his stance on a dispute over a class eight student's right to wear hijab at a Church-run public school in Kochi, saying the matter was…

School's Position

The principal of St Rita's public school in Kochi said all students should be equal. She said the school can decide on uniforms. The school lawyer said the minister's earlier comments were wrong. The lawyer added that the girl's parents want her to stay in the school. The school will follow the law set by courts. The principal of St Rita's public school in Kochi said all students should be equal. She said the school can decide on uniforms. The school lawyer said the minister's earlier comments were wrong. The lawyer added that the girl's parents want her to stay in the school. The school will follow the law set by courts. Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Wednesday softened his stance on a dispute over a class eight student's right to wear hijab at a Church-run public school…

If there is a consensus at the school level, let it end there. But no one has the right to deny a student's right to education.

The school has reopened and will continue to follow its rules. Follow The Rising News for more verified updates.

Updated 15 Oct 2025, 19:48 IST; source: link