Bengaluru: The Karnataka unit of BJP has moved the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging discrimination against Hindu students during the recent Common Entrance Test (CET). The party’s complaint comes in the wake of reports that some students wearing janivara — a sacred thread — were barred from entering examination centres.
Opposition leader R Ashoka, filed the complaint with NHRC Thursday, accusing the govt of violating students’ rights by forcing them to remove sacred religious symbols. He alleged a biased approach toward Muslim students.

Citing religious discrimination, Ashoka pointed out that while Hindu students were reportedly denied entry, “Muslim girls wearing hijab were allowed to sit for the exams”.
In his letter to NHRC, Ashoka urged immediate intervention. “I write with deep concern regarding a series of troubling incidents that have recently unfolded in the state of Karnataka, which have caused widespread distress among the Hindu community and, in our view, constitute clear violations of basic human and religious rights. It is also an infringement of personal beliefs as students were compelled to remove their sacred religious symbols at several centres across the state.”
Ashoka added that similar incidents had occurred in the past, where Hindu girls were asked to remove bangles, mangalsutras, and anklets during other competitive exams.
“These actions, undertaken without any legal mandate, violate the principles enshrined under the Constitution of India, particularly the right to freedom of religion (Article 25) and the right to dignity and privacy (Article 21). Moreover, they have had a detrimental psychological impact on students, interfering with their academic performance and mental well-being,” he said.
He also appealed to NHRC to take “prompt and appropriate action to safeguard the rights and dignity of citizens, especially youth, whose future should not be jeopardised by such unlawful and discriminatory practices”.
In response to the controversy, the state govt had immediately issued an apology and announced disciplinary action. The principal and staff of the PU college involved were suspended. The govt also promised that the affected students would be served justice.