Kochi: The Kerala High Court has disposed of a petition related to the hijab controversy at St. Rita’s School in Palluruthy after the student’s father informed the court that his daughter will be moving to another school. The court noted that since the student is no longer studying at the institution, there was no need for further legal proceedings.

The case began when the school objected to the student wearing a hijab, stating it went against its prescribed uniform rules. The issue gained wide attention after the Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, criticized the school’s stance, saying that no student should be denied education for wearing a religious symbol.

A report by the Deputy Director of Education had earlier pointed out lapses in the school’s handling of the matter, but the school management challenged the notice in court. During the hearing, Justice V. G. Arun suggested that the matter could have been settled amicably without legal intervention.

The girl’s lawyer told the court that she was unwilling to continue in the same school under the present circumstances and that the complaint was being withdrawn. The state government also clarified that no additional disciplinary action would be taken against the school.

The hijab issue had sparked widespread discussion across Kerala on the balance between school dress codes and students’ rights to religious freedom.

While the case has now been closed, it has highlighted the need for clearer guidelines on how schools can accommodate students’ religious practices without compromising institutional policies.