Kerala minister offers support to girl refused entry over hijab
18 Oct 2025

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has offered to help a Muslim student who was denied entry into a Kochi school for wearing a hijab.

The student, studying in Class VIII at St Rita's School, was barred from attending classes after she insisted on wearing her hijab despite the school's dress code.

The incident has sparked widespread controversy and debate over religious freedom and educational policies.

'No student should miss out on educational opportunities'
Admission assistance

Minister Sivankutty said, "So, if the student is interested and she approaches the government, we will take steps to get her admission in any school she wishes to join through a special order."

He also stressed that no student should miss out on educational opportunities due to such issues.

The minister further stated that St Rita's School management is responsible for any mental stress caused to the girl.

Student's father speaks out
Parental support

The student's father has also expressed his concerns, saying she has been under severe stress due to the incident.

He said they have already approached other schools for admission and decided not to send her back to St Rita's School.

"My daughter has been under severe stress after the hijab incident," he said. "She clearly said she doesn't want to return, so we decided to respect her wishes."

IUML supports Sivankutty's stand
Political backing

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also expressed its dissatisfaction with the school management, with its national general secretary, P K Kunhalikutty, slamming the school's decision to bar the student from wearing a hijab as "utmost intolerance."

He said it was an "unfortunate incident" that "should not have happened in a state like Kerala," and accused some vested interests of trying to create issues deliberately.

Controversy reaches political circles
Management criticism

Kunhalikutty also criticized the school management's stance on the matter, calling it "very undesirable." He said their media statements were a reflection of intolerance.

The controversy over the hijab row has now reached political circles, with both Sivankutty and Kunhalikutty weighing in on it.

Earlier, the Kerala High Court had ordered police protection for St Rita's School after parents and others questioned its dress code policy.