Schoolgirl in India asked to remove hijab to take board exams

• School girl in Karnataka asked to remove burqa to appear for class 10 board exam.
• Girl cooperates and changes into uniform.
• Karnataka High Court labels hijab "non-essential religious practice."

BENGALURU: A student in Karnataka was allowed to appear for class 10 board exams only after she removed her burqa and changed into a school uniform, NDTV reported.

Authorities reported that she was given extra time to make the changes.

"She had come for her exams in civil dress. She did not follow the uniform dress code and was wearing a burqa. We convinced her that she has to follow the high court order. She changed and she is taking her exams now," a senior government official Dharwad Mohan Kumar said.

Previously, a girl from the Bagalkot district chose to quit exams when asked to remove her hijab.

Karnataka Ministers said that anyone who violates the High Court ruling on hijab will not be allowed to take tests. 

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said that violators would face action.

"Whoever violates the rule will face the action. We will not compromise on it. Everyone should obey the high court order. Students have to remove the hijab and write the exam," Mr Jnanendra said.

Earlier this month, the Karnataka High Court had labelled the hijab "a non-essential religious practice", asking everyone to abide by dress codes set by their institutes.