No re-exam for hijab protestors who ‘missed’ practical exams

Hundreds of pre-university (PU) II students in Karnataka who took part in hijab protests will not be allowed to retake their practical exams, which they skipped in February and March.

The Department of Pre University Education (PUE) has made an important announcement for all Hijab row protestors who did not sit for the Karnataka 2nd PUC Exams 2022. According to the most recent information, the government has decided not to let the protesting students sit for a re-examine because they had boycotted the PUC II Practical exams.

Muslim students wearing burqa protest against the Karnataka high court's verdict on hijab by boycotting their internal exams in front of IDSG college in Chikmagalur on Wednesday. (PTI) (HT_PRINT)

The practical examinations for the Karnataka 2nd PUC Exams 2022 were scheduled to take place in February and March. However, during this time, many students had decided not to take these exams – some because they were not allowed to wear hijab, while others were either showing support or seeking a resolution.

The announcement of "no re-examination" comes at a time when the concerned authorities were considering alternative options for those hijab row protestors who did not pass the Karnataka 2nd PUC Exams 2022. The government decided to mark them 'absent' for the missed Practical exams, putting an end to any hope of a resolution.

"How can we even consider the possibility? If we allow the students who boycotted the practicals because they were not allowed to wear hijab to the exam despite the interim order issued by the high court, another student will come citing some other reason and seeking a second chance. It is impossible," BC Nagesh, the Primary and Secondary Education Minister said.

K. Raghupati Bhat (BJP), who represents the Udupi constituency, urged the government to give Muslim girl students a second chance to take exams without wearing hijab, citing the fact that many did not take the exams when they were held. He also demanded that the government take action against anyone who causes trouble on the state's school and college campuses. His request was denied, however, because the final court order makes no mention of giving students a second chance to take exams.