Muslim girl challenges school dress order in SC

By Chitra Weerarathne-April 30, 2014

Counsel Manohara de Silva PC yesterday, told the Supreme Court that he would argue before the Court the issues stated in a previous judgement by it pertaining to Muslim students’ traditional dress.

Counsel de Silva appeared for the first respondent, the Principal of Janadhipathi Balika Vidyalaya, Nawala, the second respondent, the Vice Principal and the third respondent a class teacher of the same school.

The petitioners are Mohammad Hirzi Shahul Hameed and his daughter Fathima Hishana, a Grade 7 student of the school.

The petitioners have complained to the court that the Principal of the School recently ordered the girl not to wear the same uniform as others. The petition says she was also made to worship the Principal of the school though that practice was against Muslim culture.

 The petitioners have alleged discrimination on the basis of religion and a violation of fundamental rights.

The Court fixed May 13, 2014 as the date for the support of the petition.

Counsels Hejiac Hisbulla appeared with Nadun Wijesiriwardene and Hafeel Fareez instructed by Niluka Dissanayake for the petitioners.

Manohara de Silva P.c., appeared for the Principal Nayana Thakshila Perera of Janadhipathi Balika Vidyalaya, School Lane, Nawala, Rajagiriya. The first respondent is the Principal. The second respondent is the Vice Principal Ms. Hemamali and the third is Mrs. P. de. S. Naotunna, the class teacher.

The Bench of yesterday comprised Justice Chandra Ekanayake, Justice Eva Wanasundera and Justice Buweneka Aluwihare.

The petition will be supported before a Bench not comprising Justice Wanasundera, as she had participated in the previous judgement, pertaining to the issue in question.