The hearing for the hijab case is underway in the Karnataka High Court. Counsel for Petitioners YH Muchhala has argued that a head scarf is a piece of cloth covering the head not the face, adding that it should be permitted to use.

It is not right for college to prevent us from doing that, counsel for Petitioners YH Muchhala said.

2:30 pm: Hearing resumes.

2:33 pm: Petitioners making rejoinder arguments. Arguments are expected to be concluded today and order reserved as was stated by the HC yesterday.

2:37 pm: We have to get up early. We will rise at 4 pm. So please finish by then.

2:40 pm: Counsel for petitioners, senior advocate Yusuf Muchhala seeks to make his rejoinder.

Mucchala said that Kamat (counsel for petitioners) has made an exhaustive reply to learned AG (Advocate General) and other senior counsels.

Mucchala pointed out that the petitioners have not sought a general declaratory relief and have sought for quashing of the GO and permission for them to attend classes with hijab..

2:44 pm: "We have been wearing head scarf. It is a piece of cloth covering the head, not the face. It should be permitted to use. It is not right for college to prevent us from doing that," Mucchala said.

Advocate Mucchala added that it is a bonafide practice of conscience, it should be allowed under Article 25, adding that it is not necessary to consider if it is essential religious practice (ERP) or not.

3:08 pm: Counsel Vinod Kulkarni, appearing on behalf of the Muslim girls, makes submissions in his PIL.

"By not wearing hijab, public disorder is seen in our state, riots are seen, recent murder in Shivamogga. Wearing of hijab is not against public order," counsel Vinod Kulkarni said.

Kulkarni: The Constitution of Turkey or any other countries need not be imbibed. Our Constitution is supreme, it is the Bhagavad Gita, Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Holy Guru Grant Sahib.

As per Holy quran, hijab is practised since years, advocate Kulkarni said.

3:10 pm: Kulkarni prays for an interim order allowing students to wear hijab at least on Fridays and during Ramzan. To this, CJ said that they are in the midst of final hearing and there is no question of interim order. "We will pass final order".

3:20 pm: Adv Subhah Jha makes submission.

"This petition is filed by practising advocate. (Ghanshyam Upadhyaya) Jha : It deals with safety, securuity & integrity of the nation. Every person can be aggrieved by what is happening in state of karnataka & it has sprialling effect across".

(With inputs from agencies)