What was the split decision on the Karnataka hijab ban?

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The Indian Supreme Court Panel's Split Decision on the Karnataka Hijab Ban

An Indian Supreme Court panel failed to reach a consensus on the ban of hijabs in educational institutions, resulting in a split decision that has been referred to the chief justice for further consideration by a larger bench. The Karnataka state's prohibition, implemented in February, had previously ignited significant protests among Muslim students and their families, with counter-demonstrations by Hindu students also occurring.
Divergent Opinions from the Judges

The two-judge bench of the Supreme Court presented opposing views on the matter. Justice Hemant Gupta expressed a desire to quash the appeal against the ban, indicating a stance in favour of upholding the prohibition. Conversely, Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia articulated that the act of wearing a hijab is fundamentally a "matter of choice" for individuals.
Referral to the Chief Justice

Due to the divergence of opinion between the judges, the case has been escalated. The chief justice will now be responsible for constituting a larger bench to re-examine the complex legal and social issues surrounding the hijab ban. No specific timeline has been provided for when this larger bench will be established.
Implications of the Split Verdict

The split verdict has been described by legal representatives for the petitioners as a "semi-victory," with hopes that a definitive ruling will be reached by the larger bench. The ban in Karnataka, a state governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has become a focal point in discussions about the marginalisation of the Muslim community, which constitutes 13% of India's population. The BJP maintains that the ban is not politically motivated, despite the state elections scheduled for May next year.

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What was the split decision on the Karnataka hijab ban?

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