Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 25: The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over what it describes as a case of religious discrimination during the Common Entrance Test (CET), where Hindu students wearing sacred threads ("janivara") were reportedly denied entry to exam centres, while students from other communities were allegedly allowed to retain their religious attire.
In his formal complaint to the NHRC, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka stated that the Government of Karnataka had infringed upon personal religious beliefs by compelling Hindu students to remove traditional symbols such as the "Janivara" ("Yajnopavita") and "Shivadara" at several CET examination centres across the state.
“I have filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission on Thursday about the incidents of infringement of personal beliefs by the Government of Karnataka in which students were compelled to remove their sacred religious symbols such as "Janivara" ("Yajnopavita"), "Shivadara" etc during the Common Entrance Test (CET) examination at several centres across the state,” Ashoka said.
He appealed to the NHRC to initiate urgent and appropriate measures to uphold the dignity and rights of students, arguing that such practices not only violate constitutional freedoms but also place undue stress on young examinees.
“I write to you with deep concern regarding a series of troubling incidents that have recently unfolded in the state of Karnataka, which have caused widespread distress among the Hindu community and, in our view, constitute clear violations of basic human and religious rights,” Ashoka stated in his complaint.
Ashoka pointed out that, in contrast to the treatment meted out to Hindu students, Muslim girls wearing hijabs were permitted to appear for the CET without having to remove their religious garments, raising concerns about what he described as “discriminatory enforcement of rules.”
During the recent CET and other major examinations, Hindu students were allegedly asked to remove religious identifiers including the "Janivara/Yajnopaveetha" (sacred thread worn over the shoulder) and "Shivadara" (thread with "rudraksha" beads). In earlier instances, Hindu girls were reportedly instructed to remove mangalasutras, bangles, and anklets before entering exam halls.
Ashoka criticised these actions, claiming they lacked legal basis and contravened key constitutional rights, notably Article 25 (freedom of religion) and Article 21 (right to dignity and privacy). He further stated that the psychological toll on students could affect not only their well-being but also their academic performance.
The Congress-led state government has since apologised for the incident and taken disciplinary action, issuing orders to suspend the PU college principal and staff involved. The government also assured that the affected student, who was denied entry to the examination, will be given appropriate relief and justice.