Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday, February 21 that the matter related to the hijab controversy is in court but he personally feels that a school's dress code should be followed by people of all religions. He said ultimately it has to be decided whether the country will function on the basis of the Constitution or whims. Shah said once the court takes a decision on the matter everyone should accept it.
On the issue of implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Shah said there was no question of going back on it. He, however, said the decision is linked to the COVID-19 situation.
“It is my personal belief that people of all religions should accept the school's dress code. And the issue is now in court, and the court is conducting its hearings on the matter. Whatever it decides should be followed by all,” Shah said in an interview with Network18.
“Ultimately, it has to be decided whether the country will function on (the basis of) the Constitution or whims. My personal belief only remains until the court makes a decision. And once the court makes a decision, then I should accept it, and everyone should accept it.
"But, I still personally believe that every student should function according to the dress code and uniform mandated by the school,” he added.
Asked about the involvement of the Campus Front of India on the issue, the minister said, "These people may have their active involvement, but I'll just say that their intentions will not come to fruition."
"The people of India will accept the court's judgement once it comes."
The hijab issue in Karnataka had triggered a major controversy across the nation. The matter had its echo in the ongoing assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh too.
According to a statement from the news group, Shah said on the CAA implementation: “As long as we are not free from COVID-19, this can't be a priority. We have seen three waves. Thankfully, things are getting better, the third wave is receding. The decision is linked to the COVID-19 situation. But there is no question of going back on it. The question does not arise."
He also hit out at the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party for withdrawing cases registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) during their respective tenures in Uttar Pradesh.