Mumbai: Muslim Girls Protest Strongly Against Burqa Ban in Goregaon College; Threaten Hunger Strike
Mumbai | December 4, 2025 | DeccanLive.com
A major protest broke out at Vivek Vidyalaya and Junior College in Goregaon after the administration imposed a ban on Muslim girls wearing the burqa on the campus. Students called the decision discriminatory and said it goes against the constitutional right to religious freedom.
According to the college, the ban was introduced after a single incident last year, where a burqa-clad student was reportedly caught cheating during an exam. Using this one case, the administration imposed a complete ban on the religious dress, which students say is unfair and biased.
Students Call It an Attack on Rights
The Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) – Maharashtra South Zone stated that the college’s rule violates Articles 14, 15 and 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee equality and religious freedom.
They said forcing Muslim girls to remove their religious attire inside the classroom is unacceptable and amounts to discrimination.
SIO added that if the real concern was cheating, then the college should have taken proper exam-related precautions instead of banning a particular religious dress.
No Information Given at Admission
Students also said they were not informed of any such dress restrictions at the time of admission. Now, the college has allegedly threatened to cancel admissions if students do not follow the new rule.
This has caused serious concern among students and parents.
Many affected students approached the local police and even spoke to a lawyer. They also held a strong protest on campus and warned that they would begin a hunger strike if the ban is not removed.
Police and Public Reaction
Goregaon Police said that no FIR has been filed yet. Local residents and activists said the matter is not just administrative but involves constitutional rights, educational freedom, and religious liberty.
They demanded that the Maharashtra Education Department immediately intervene, cancel the ban, and ask the college to explain the legal basis for such a decision.
Call for Immediate Action
Students and community members said the ban destroys trust, hurts social harmony, and goes against the spirit of India’s Constitution.
They urged the college to withdraw the order at once and ensure that all students’ rights and dignity are respected.
