Karnataka Hijab Row: Section 144 imposed around schools in Udupi from February 14

Mangaluru: The Udupi district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in areas around all high schools in the district from Monday till February 19. The move comes as part of a precautionary measure as the schools are reopening Monday after the holiday declared by the state government in view of the hijab-saffron shawl controversy.

The order will be in effect from 6 AM on February 14 to 6 PM on February 19. The order has been clamped following a request by the district superintendent of police to deputy commissioner M Kurma Rao for imposing Section 144 within a 200-metre radius around all the high schools.

Also read | Telangana SSC Class 10 exams from May 11; Exam instructions here

As per the order, assembly of five or more members around the school perimeter is not allowed. All sorts of gatherings including protests and rallies are banned. Inciting slogans, songs and speeches are strictly barred.

Tension prevailed at a private school here on Saturday after parents and students protested the use of alleged derogatory language by the management on its notice board, in connection with wearing Hijab in classrooms. It is learnt that the teacher who had posted the message on the notice board has been placed under suspension.

The candlelight vigil programme by Bahutva Karnataka was supposed to be held yesterday evening from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in light of the ongoing hijab issue in Karnataka. The police had previously given permission to conduct the vigil, but the permission was withdrawn later.