SC delivers split verdict on Karnataka hijab ban

• The Supreme Court has delivered a split verdict on prohibition of wearing hijab in educational institutions of the state
• A split verdict is passed when the Bench cannot decide one way or the other in a case, either by a unanimous decision or by a majority verdict.
• Split verdicts can only happen when the Bench has an even number of judges.

Key Highlights

Way forward

• In case of a split verdict, the case is heard by a larger Bench.
• The larger Bench to which a split verdict goes can be a three-judge Bench of the High Court, or an appeal can be preferred before the Supreme Court.
• In the case of the hijab verdict, the CJI, who is the ‘master of the roster’, will constitute a new, larger Bench to hear the matter.

Prelims Take Away

• Supreme Court
• Right to Equality
• Right to freedom and expression
• Right to privacy and dignity
• Right to Religion
• CJI