Kochi: A tense standoff over a hijab at Palluruthy St. Rita’s Public School has come to a resolution after the student’s father pledged to follow the school’s rules. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that he did not want the matter to escalate into a communal issue and confirmed that his child would attend classes in accordance with the school’s uniform policy from tomorrow.

The school, which had temporarily closed due to the dispute, faced scrutiny after allegations surfaced that the student had been barred from attending classes for wearing a hijab. The management and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) had maintained that the uniform code was non-negotiable, prompting police deployment to ensure safety on campus.

Earlier, the Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM – Latin) had strongly condemned acts of violence at the school, asserting that outsiders had forcibly entered the premises, disrupted normal activities, and attempted to impose religious demands contrary to the established rules. KCYM described the intrusion as a blatant attack on secular education, discipline, and minority rights, urging authorities to safeguard institutions from communal interference.

The Kerala High Court had intervened, granting police protection to the school following threats and unrest. The court emphasized the institution’s right to enforce uniform policies uniformly and without discrimination. School officials reported that a group of outsiders had entered the campus last week, demanding that the student be allowed to wear a hijab, contrary to the long-standing dress code. Classes were suspended for two days to prevent further tensions and ensure safety.

PTA President Joshy Kaithavalappil recalled that the student had joined in June and complied with the uniform rules until early October. Out of 450 students, around 117 were Muslim, and all other students followed the prescribed dress code. Kaithavalappil noted that the protest appeared influenced by external factors rather than stemming from genuine disagreement.

Principal Heleena Alby said the school had maintained the same uniform code since its founding in 1998. She expressed regret that the disruption had caused distress among students and teachers, noting that the administration had no option but to suspend classes temporarily. The management welcomed the High Court’s directive; confident it would restore smooth functioning and safety.

Education authorities monitored the situation closely. Education Minister V. Sivankutty had instructed the local educational officer to examine the matter and reminded all students that uniform policies were mandatory. Police were deployed to maintain calm, ensuring that the school environment remained secure and conducive to learning.

Religious organizations, including the Voice of Nuns, described the incident as a troubling manifestation of rising extremism. They cautioned that such acts, cloaked in religious sentiment, threatened secular educational spaces and called for vigilant societal resistance. Praising the dedication of teachers and nuns, they reaffirmed their support for institutions that provide inclusive and ethical education.

The High Court’s prior order had directed the school to maintain law and order while seeking police protection. The interim order supported the school management’s decision to prevent the student from wearing a hijab, citing non-compliance with established uniform bylaws.

This resolution has restored normalcy at St. Rita’s School, highlighting the importance of upholding institutional autonomy, safeguarding minority education, and ensuring that schools remain spaces of discipline, equality, and secular learning.