MP HC seeks ayurveda college reply on BAMS student's plea against abaya restriction during exams
Madhya Pradesh High Court
Jabalpur: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought a response from Mansarovar Ayurvedic Medical College in Bhopal after a third-year BAMS student challenged the college's decision to stop her from appearing in examinations while wearing an abaya, loose-fitting, full-length garment worn by Muslim women.
While the petitioner claimed that she has been appearing for examinations in the same attire for the past two years without any objection, but this year she stated that she was allegedly denied entry despite wearing the uniform underneath the abaya and following other examination rules.
During the hearing, Single-judge bench of Justice Pranay Verma asked the college administration to clarify its stand after the student claimed she had already missed two examination papers because of the issue.
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As per ETV Bharat media report, the petitioner is a third-year BAMS student at Mansarovar Ayurvedic Medical College. She approached the court after the college administration refused her to sit for examination in abaya despite sitting for examinations in the past two years in the same attire. Due to this, she had already missed two exam papers.
Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Asati argued that the matter concerns the student’s fundamental rights and freedom to dress according to her religious beliefs. The plea further stated that the student has already missed two papers due to the ongoing controversy despite having paid all required academic fees.
The case has once again brought attention to the debate over religious attire in educational institutions.
In 2024, the Supreme Court had examined a similar issue related to the wearing of hijabs and burqas in a private college in Mumbai. During the hearing, the apex court observed that educational institutions are not places for religious activities and students may wear clothing as long as their faces remain uncovered.
However, the Supreme Court did not specifically comment on abayas, which is different from burqas as they do not cover the face.
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