Representative photo of students wearing saffron scarves while others wear hijab. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
A row of saffron headscarves and hijabs has resurfaced in Haveri district with some students attending classes wearing saffron headscarves to protest students attending classes in hijab at CG Bellad Government Primary School in Akki Alur of Haveri district.
On December 4, students attended classes wearing a saffron scarf. The day went off without a hitch as neither the lecturers nor the authorities objected to them wearing saffron scarves and the students returned home after classes.
They brought the scarves in their bags on Dec. 5, prompting authorities to interview them, sources said.
Saffron scarf-hijab row at Haveri College in Karnataka
A row of saffron saffrons and hijabs has resurfaced in Karnataka with some students wearing a saffron headscarf after several students started wearing hijab to class at CG Bellad Government Primary School in Akki Alur of Haveri district. | Video Credit: The Hindu
Their grouse was that the principal did not ensure compliance with the uniform code by not allowing the hijab in the college even after repeated pleas.
In protest, about 50 students, including female students, attended classes on December 4 wearing saffron scarves. Several students, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they were forced to wear headscarves because their plea was not addressed.
The scramble has reportedly led to students being banned from carrying mobile phones on campus and regular checks have increased in recent days.
College authorities claimed that the students, once inside the school, removed their hijabs and attended classes in regular uniform. It was only because two students attended class in hijab on December 3rd that several other students came wearing saffron headscarves on December 4th.
According to director Viresh Kummur, the issue was resolved through dialogue. The meeting takes place on December 5.
Published – 5 Dec 2025 11:40 AM IST
