蜜芽传媒

A college's decision in January in the Indian state of Karnataka to bar entry to Muslim girls wearing the hijab sparked protests - and the issue soon escalated forcing the state to shut schools and colleges for several days. Now, a high court in Karnataka has ruled that the hijab is not "essential" to Islam, in a ruling that will impact the whole country.

Nikhila Henry, a Bureau Chief for The Quint - a digital news platform in Delhi, outlines the story and the effect this will have on students. She says that many are concerned that this ruling will mean that they will be unable to take their exams in April, and be forced to find colleges where the hijab is worn, or leave education altogether.

"Students feel they are being asked to choose between their hijab and their education - but they want both."

Photo: A demonstration in India against the on Muslim girls wearing a hijab to school, February 2022 Credit: Getty Images