Bengaluru CET Row: Staff Accused of Forcing Students to Remove Sacred Thread
Bengaluru CET Row: Staff Accused of Forcing Students to Remove Sacred Thread
Outrage erupts in Bengaluru after college staff reportedly forced students to remove janivara at CET center; groups demand action and defend religious freedom.
An incident at a Common Entrance Test venue in Bengaluru has sparked outrage after staff at Krupanidhi Pre University College allegedly forced students to remove their janivara, or sacred thread, before entering the exam hall. The episode underscores ongoing tensions around religious symbols in public examinations and has drawn swift responses from community groups.
Representatives from various organisations argued that religious freedom is a fundamental right and should not be compromised in the exam setting. One spokesperson said the right to wear religious symbols during the examination must be respected, calling the college staff's action condemnable and urging accountability from the authorities.
Another group noted that the move hurt religious sentiments, while political voices joined the chorus for action. They argued that the CET authorities should take stern action, and public figures denounced the incident as insensitive. A prominent political leader condemned the removal.
Experts say such incidents highlight the need for clear guidelines on appearance and symbols in exam settings, and call for quick, fair investigations by the education department. Institutions are urged to balance cultural practices with standardized exam rules, to protect student rights while ensuring fair testing conditions.
This controversy comes as the city navigates a peak CET season, renewing debate over how to accommodate religious diversity within strict exam protocols.
