Hijab dispute forces closure of school

St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi, has been ordered closed for two days after a Class 8 pupil's request to attend lessons wearing a hijab sparked a standoff with school authorities.

- HD Bureau

The management maintains that the hijab is not part of the official uniform, leading to tensions that the school says affected staff well-being and safety.

The school, affiliated to the Latin Catholic Church and the CBSE curriculum, announced the shutdown following a meeting of the Parent-Teacher Association. A letter from Principal Sr. Heleena Alby cited “mental stress” among teachers and staff as well as unapproved attire as reasons for the closure.