Asaduddin Owaisi on Hijab Verdict: AIMIM Chief Calls Court Ruling an ‘Attack on Islam’

Owaisi criticizes hijab verdict, questions UCC, and targets RSS-BJP over Manusmriti debate

President of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Asaduddin Owaisi, expressed sharp criticism regarding the Allahabad High Court’s recent decision to reject a student’s plea for wearing hijab while wearing her school uniform, saying that the decision is a “strike against Islam.” While addressing the Jalsa-e-Rahmatul-lil-Alameen event at AIMIM office, Darussalam, in connection with the 1501st Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Owaisi expressed worries about the issue of Uniform Civil Code (UCC), politics of Vande Mataram, and politics related to Manusmriti.

Owaisi Questions Allahabad High Court Verdict

Regarding the court verdict, Owaisi said that he was against the court verdict and contended that such matters relating to what is considered to be an essential practice of a religion must not be addressed in isolation when there are parallel cases pending consideration before the Supreme Court. According to Owaisi, the verdict violates fundamental rights provided in the constitution regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech, adding that Muslim girls must be allowed to pursue education without being stopped from following their religion by wearing a hijab. An appeal by a student requesting that she be allowed to wear a hijab along with the mandatory school uniform was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court on the grounds that sufficient proof had not been furnished to prove that wearing the headscarf was an essential part of her religion.

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Criticism of Uniform Civil Code Initiatives

The AIMIM chief also lashed out at moves toward the enactment of UCC in states like Assam and Uttarakhand, saying that the suggested scheme looks very much like the existing Hindu personal laws and not like a true UCC at all. It was also said by Owaisi that personal laws of the various religions should not be changed without proper consultations. Muslims would adhere to their religious laws while participating in the development of the nation.

Comments on Vande Mataram Debate

In response to the prevailing political controversy concerning Vande Mataram, Owaisi alluded to past personalities such as Rabindranath Tagore, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Mahatma Gandhi, pointing out that it was only the first two verses of the song that had always been sung. Owaisi stressed that patriotism should not be gauged on the basis of any understanding of nationalism, adding that people could be patriotic and serve India despite having their own religion.

Renewed Attack on RSS and BJP Over Manusmriti

In addition to criticizing the BJP and the RSS, Owaisi criticized both for their favoritism towards the Manusmriti rather than the Indian Constitution written under the guidance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Owaisi alluded to the past debates regarding the drafting of the Indian Constitution and made the point that values embodied by the Constitution have to be kept free from any kind of ideology. Owaisi also talked about the contributions of several Muslim freedom fighters in India’s struggle for independence.

Political Row Continues

The statement of the AIMIM head is made in the context of political controversy that arose over the mentioning of Manusmriti in some recent political addresses. The matter generated a verbal fight between rival political parties, where arguments were related to constitutional values, cultural background, religious freedom, and national identity.  As a conclusion, Owaisi urged the younger generation to protect the values of the constitution and religion and be involved in the country’s development.