A major controversy has erupted during the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (CET) after several students were allegedly asked to remove their janivara (sacred thread), triggering protests, suspensions, and a legal challenge in the Karnataka High Court.
Students Allege Religious Insensitivity at Exam Centres
The issue first came to light in Bidar, where a student claimed he was asked to remove his sacred thread at an exam centre before entering the Mathematics paper. The student reportedly refused, arguing that the thread is an essential part of his religious identity, and ultimately missed the exam after waiting for nearly 45 minutes.
“I was told I wouldn’t be allowed to enter unless I removed it,” the student said, adding that he had appeared for earlier papers without any objection.
Similar incidents were reported in Shivamogga and Bengaluru, where students alleged they were either forced to remove the thread or pressured to do so to avoid missing the exam. Some complied under stress, while others resisted and were later allowed entry.
Protests and Administrative Action
The incidents sparked protests from members of the Brahmin community, who termed the instructions an attack on religious freedom. Following the backlash, authorities suspended several staff members, including invigilators and security personnel, at different exam centres.
Officials said the issue may have arisen due to a misinterpretation of CET dress code guidelines, which restrict certain accessories but do not explicitly ban religious symbols like the janivara.
Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar called the incident “unfortunate” and clarified that no official instructions required the removal of religious items. “If any staff acted beyond the guidelines, strict action will be taken,” he said.
Legal Challenge in High Court
The controversy has now reached the Karnataka High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Brahmin organisation. The petition alleges that students were denied entry or forced to remove religious symbols, violating their fundamental rights.
The court has issued notices to the state government and the Karnataka Examinations Authority, seeking their response. The petition argues that such actions infringe upon the right to freedom of religion and education.
Political Reactions Intensify Debate
The issue has also taken a political turn, with the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the Congress-led state government of being “anti-Hindu.” Opposition leaders claimed students were forced to choose between their faith and their future.
On the other hand, the state government maintained that the incidents were isolated and not reflective of official policy. Authorities have ordered detailed inquiries and promised corrective measures.
