‘Driven By Vested Interests’: Latin Catholic Church Slams Kerala Minister Over Hijab Controversy

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 15:05 IST

The controversy arose after a student demanded to wear a hijab in the school, which had a prescribed uniform.

Kerala Hijab controversy.(Representative image)

The Kerala Latin Catholic Church (KRLCC) rejected Education Minister V Sivankutty over his intervention in a hijab controversy at a church-run school. In an official press release, the organisation described the Minister’s stance as “irresponsible" and “driven by vested interests," accusing him of undermining the authority of the Kerala High Court.

Minister’s response questioned

The controversy arose after a student demanded to wear a hijab in the school, which had a prescribed uniform. While the school initially declared a two-day holiday citing mental stress among staff and students, the Minister intervened, directing that the school permit the student to wear the hijab. KRLCC leaders assert that the matter had already been resolved, and the Minister’s subsequent actions amounted to an attempt to obstruct the school’s functioning.

Vice President Joseph Jude and General Secretary Fr. Dr. Giju George Arakkathara emphasised that the Minister’s approach ignored the court’s earlier clear directive and encroached on the rights of the Christian minority. “His response is not only untimely but undermines the High Court’s authority," the statement read.

The Latin Catholic body also warned political parties against exploiting the issue to further their agendas. Both BJP and Congress leaders had accused each other of politicising the incident, intensifying communal and political debates. KRLCC urged that educational institutions should not be drawn into political battles, stressing the need to protect minority rights and maintain institutional autonomy.

The Kerala High Court had previously stepped in to prevent escalation, providing police protection to the school and ensuring order. Following mediation, the student’s family agreed to adhere to the school’s dress code, temporarily easing tensions. However, the KRLCC maintains that the Minister’s public statements and interventions threaten the stability and administration of church-run schools.

The incident reflects broader national debates on religious expression in educational institutions, reminiscent of the hijab controversy in Karnataka. Schools, governments, and courts are tasked with balancing constitutional freedoms with institutional discipline, a challenge increasingly evident in diverse societies like India.

Church stresses peaceful resolution

KRLCC reiterated its commitment to peaceful resolution while protecting the rights of its students and staff. The organisation insists that decisions about school uniform policies remain within the purview of the institutions themselves, in line with legal and administrative directives, without unnecessary governmental interference.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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