In Mumbai, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the hijab and called upon the Muslim community to respect the Allahabad High Court ruling. He emphasized that while wearing the hijab is a traditional practice among Muslim women and schoolgoing girls, functioning within 21st-century India requires adhering strictly to the Constitution and the law of the land. Athawale cited the Supreme Court judgment on the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi case as a precedent where the Muslim community demonstrated civic maturity by accepting the court order, suggesting a similar respect for the judiciary should be shown regarding school dress codes.
Prioritizing the Constitution and Judicial Orders
The Union Minister noted that while religious customs have historical significance, constitutional framework and statutory laws must always prevail in a democracy. The Allahabad High Court recently stated that wearing a hijab is not mandatory and does not form an integral part of the school uniform. In light of this judicial determination, Athawale stressed that every citizen is duty-bound to comply with court mandates.
Underscoring the necessity of operating within legal parameters, Athawale stated
“I believe that the court's order should be followed.”
Precedent of the Ayodhya Ram Temple Verdict
Elaborating on historical legal outcomes, Athawale referenced the long-running Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, which had remained unresolved for decades. He pointed out that the Allahabad High Court had initially ordered the division of the disputed site into three parts. However, the Supreme Court subsequently observed that allocating a 25 percent portion would leave the conflict perpetually active rather than offering a permanent resolution.
Athawale also highlighted that a Muslim officer who served on the initial excavation team of the Archaeological Survey of India had documented temple structures beneath the disputed building. Guided by these archeological findings and legal arguments, the Supreme Court eventually awarded the entire land for the construction of the Ram Temple. The Muslim community accepted the apex court verdict, helping maintain public harmony. Athawale argued that since the country is progressing into the 21st century, traditional customs must yield to court rulings in the same spirit.
Views on Muslim Political Leadership and Brotherhood
Responding to remarks made by Asaduddin Owaisi on the High Court ruling, Athawale acknowledged that the Muslim community possesses the democratic right to build and strengthen its own leadership. He noted that leaders like Owaisi advocate for their community, but emphasized that political representation is diverse. Major political parties, including the BJP, Congress, and Athawale's own party IPI, also count prominent Muslim leaders among their ranks.
Addressing Owaisi's perspective that the Muslim community requires a single prominent figurehead, Athawale suggested that any emerging leadership should aim to unite all Muslims while recognizing that community members hold varied political affiliations. He concluded by urging all sections of society to focus on building mutual respect and strengthening national brotherhood.
