Indian Supreme Court panel divided over ban on hijab in schools

Members of media speak in front of cameras after a panel of the Supreme Court said it was divided on a decision to allow hijabs in classrooms, outside the premises of the court in New Delhi, India October 13, 2022. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -An Indian Supreme Court panel said on Thursday it was divided over a ban on hijabs in schools, and referred the matter to the chief justice, effectively leaving in place a state's ruling against the scarves worn by women that has sparked uproar.

Karnataka state's ban on the garment in schools in February triggered protests by Muslim students and their parents.