The issue, which was thought to have been resolved following criticism of the school management by the education minister, has resurfaced after the principal and the school's lawyer held a press conference criticising the government and the DDE report.
Published Oct 16, 2025 | 3:30 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 16, 2025 | 3:30 PM
New uniform proposed for schools in Lakshadweep, mum on hijab. Representational image. (iStock)
Synopsis: The school has reopened under police protection, but the controversy refuses to die down. The student at the centre of the row did not attend the school, citing a fever. A relative, however, said she has been nervous following the sudden focus on her.
The hijab row at St. Rita’s Public School in Kochi continues to make headlines, but in all the political debates and public statements, the human cost is often forgotten. At the heart of this controversy is a 13-year-old girl whose right to education has been overshadowed by a storm of criticism, media scrutiny, and political posturing.
General Education Minister V Sivankutty has strongly condemned the school management for holding a press meet targeting him and the government even after the issue was supposedly resolved, alleging that their actions were driven by political interests rather than concern for the student.
Yet amid all this, the pressing question remains: when will the girl be able to return to school?
In a nation that proudly champions the cause of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, it is heartbreaking to see a young girl’s schooling disrupted and endless debates over her choice of attire.
The emotional toll on her is immense. School, which should be a place of learning, friendship, and safety, has become a battlefield she never asked to enter. Every passing day of absence is not just lost lessons, but lost moments of childhood and dignity.
On Thursday, 16 October, Education Minister V. Sivankutty issued a stern warning, stating that the government will not tolerate any attempts—whether by Congress or others—to introduce political or communal bias within Kerala’s education system.
”No one will be allowed to turn schools into platforms for partisan politics,” he asserted.
Sivankutty questioned whether a PTA president, a principal, or school management had the right to strongly criticise the government just because they got a chance to do so. He said their enthusiastic criticism, along with challenging the government, was not needed.
He added, ”The law will handle the matter,” pointing out that the public education department can take action against any illegal activities, no matter who is involved.
The minister also noted that immature remarks from the school authorities or their lawyer would only worsen the situation, behaviour unbefitting of an educational institution. He reminded the management that any government clarifications should not come from the PTA president or the lawyer.
”Ensuring a safe learning environment for students must remain the top priority. The government will pursue all possible legal measures in this matter,” he said.
Sivankutty further remarked that criticising the government or the minister without cause, after the issue has been resolved, amounts to political exploitation. ”No management in Kerala has ever questioned the government in such a manner before. If anyone thinks they are above the government, that will not be tolerated,” he added.
The student has been forced to extend her leave, it is learned. The school management reportedly told that the student can attend classes only if she submits a consent form agreeing to follow the school’s uniform policy and come without a hijab.
However, the student’s father maintained that no final decision regarding the form has been made.
The PTA president, Joshi Kaithavalappil, stated that the Chief Minister’s Office had intervened in the matter.
Earlier, during a mediation meeting with MP Hibi Eden, the school authorities, and the student’s father, it was reportedly agreed that the child would attend school without a hijab. The issue, which was thought to have been resolved following criticism of the school management by the education minister, has resurfaced after the principal and the school’s lawyer held a press conference criticising the government and the DDE report.
Amid the ongoing uncertainty, the student did not attend school on Thursday, citing a fever. However, a relative told South First that the child is nervous due to the controversy and media attention.
The PTA president also shared the DEO’s phone records, indicating that the Chief Minister’s Office had sought information regarding the case. The school, which had remained closed during the controversy, reopened on Wednesday, 16 October, with police protection as directed by the high court.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
