Hijab ban: Ban on protests near Bengaluru schools, colleges extended till March 8

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Amid the ongoing hijab row in Karnataka, the Bengaluru Police has extended prohibitory orders around schools and colleges for further two weeks. The order will now last till March 8. Earlier, the prohibitory order was slated to be enforced until February 22.

As per the order, a gathering of people within 200 metres of all schools, PU colleges, degree colleges and other educational institutions is prevented under Section 144(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

According to The News Minute, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant said, "Whereas, since the (hijab) issue is still alive and the possibility of holding a protest, for and against the same, in Bengaluru city cannot be ruled out, it is considered appropriate to extend the aforementioned prohibitory order issued u/s Section 144(1) CrPC of 1973, for another two weeks to restrict any gathering, agitation or protest of any type around the schools, PU colleges, degree colleges or other similar educational institutions in Bengaluru city."

Meanwhile, on February 21, the Karnataka government in high court reiterated that the hijab is not an essential religious practice and said religious instructions should be kept outside the educational institutions.