Wed Oct 15 08:08:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

St. Rita’s Public School in Kochi, Kerala, which closed for two days due to a dispute over a Class 8 student wearing a hijab, has reopened. School authorities are refuting claims made by Kerala’s Minister for General Education, V. Sivankutty, that the student was barred from attending classes while wearing the headscarf. The school principal cites a 2018 Kerala High Court ruling granting school managements the right to set uniform rules and asserts that the school hasn’t discriminated against students based on religion. The student’s father initially stated his daughter would comply with the school’s dress code to avoid further conflict but is now reconsidering in light of the Minister’s directive that the student should be allowed to wear the hijab.

**News Article:**

**Hijab Row: Kerala School Reopens, Denies Minister’s Allegations**

**KOCHI, KERALA – October 15, 2025** – St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi, reopened its doors on Wednesday after a two-day closure triggered by a controversy surrounding a Class 8 student wearing a hijab.

The school administration is strongly refuting claims made by Kerala’s Minister for General Education, V. Sivankutty, who stated that the student was prohibited from attending classes while wearing a headscarf. Principal Sr. Heleena Alby told reporters that the Minister’s statement was made “without verifying the facts,” and asserted that the student was never prevented from attending classes, even after the issue gained public attention.

The principal cited a 2018 Kerala High Court decision that affirmed the right of school managements to establish uniform regulations. She emphasized that St. Rita’s has “never resorted to discrimination” against any student based on their religious beliefs. The school has submitted a response to a notice issued by the Education Department regarding the matter.

Initially, the student’s father indicated his daughter would adhere to the school’s dress code to avoid further “communal divide.” However, he stated on Thursday that he might now allow her to wear the hijab, citing the Minister’s directive that she should be permitted to do so.

The situation remains sensitive, and the Education Department is expected to continue investigating the matter. The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding religious freedom and uniform policies in educational institutions.

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