DK Shivakumar Criticizes Ban on Religious Symbols at Railway Exam Centres, High Court Issues Notice

Bengaluru— Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sharply condemned the recent order prohibiting religious symbols at railway recruitment and Common Entrance Test (CET) exam centres in the state as a move that goes against religious sentiments and is a violation of constitutional rights.

Speaking to the media, Shivakumar stated, “When it’s religious like a Mangalsutra or a Janeu (sacred thread), they can verify it if needed, but pulling them out is not right. We are very clearly stating that any such religious symbols, earrings, Mangalsutra, Janeu, or a hip band—they can verify it. It is not wrong. But, previously, there have been some problems where individuals had a tiny device in their ears. It is not correct.”

Shivakumar insisted that the contentious directive should be withdrawn and added, “Anything that is causing anger to the people needs to be removed. I want such rules to be removed.

The scandal broke out following reports that students taking the CET exam on April 17 in Bidar, Shivamogga, and Dharwad districts were compelled to shed sacred religious items, such as Janeus and *Mangalsutras*. The news caused an outcry among communities and religious groups, leading to legal action.

The Karnataka High Court, in an outcome to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) the Akhila Karnataka Brahmana Mahasabha had moved, issued notices to the state government as well as the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Senior counsel S. Sriranga, representing the petitioner, accused the KEA of barring a number of students for declining to remove their sacred threads, which he claimed was against their constitutional rights to education and religious freedom.

The PIL also asked for information on re-examination of the affected students and the issuance of proper guidelines regarding frisking and exam conduct. The advocate pointed out that compelling students to make a choice between their religion and their future was “unconstitutional and discriminatory.”

After the PIL, an FIR has been filed, and the High Court has fixed the next hearing for June 9.

This case has ignited a broader debate regarding the balance between examination security and religious freedoms, particularly in a multicultural state like Karnataka where emotions are strong. The decision in the case is likely to have implications for future exam procedures throughout the state and potentially the nation.