Hijab row: HC refers matter to larger bench, Sec 144 in B'lore, Shivamogga

Bengaluru, Feb 9: A single-judge bench of the Karnataka High Court, hearing petitions seeking relief regarding wearing of hijab in colleges, on Wednesday referred the case to a larger bench. "This is a fit case for inquiry by the Chief Justice. The bench of the Chief Justice has the authority to form an extended bench to hear the case. It is said that the next hearing is likely to be on Friday, February 11. While the entire state is waiting for the court verdict, prohibitory orders have been clamped in Bengaluru city and Shivamogga as a precautionary measure. The high court will hear the case questioning the government orders banning entry to those wearing Hijab and about school uniforms. Advocate Sajjan Poovayya and Sanjay Hegde argued for the student petitioner. Advocate A G Navadagi argued for the government. The court had stated on Tuesday in its reaction to the violence in the state, that students and people should not get down to the streets and protest. “They should maintain peace and order,” it said. “The court has complete faith in the patience of people. The court cannot be influenced by untoward incidents. The court and the justice will not be bogged down by them. But when we see the incidents on the TV, it hurts. Therefore, allow us to issue the verdict in peace,” said justice Krishna Dikshit had said on Tuesday. (With inputs from IANS & Daijiworld)