HC dismisses plea to ban face veils, burqas

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea seeking directions to ban face veils, burqas and helmets at public places because of security issues and growth in terrorist activities.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Sangeeta Dhingra Sehgal dismissed the PIL, filed by Delhi resident Sardar Ravi Ranjan Singh, saying it was not a public interest matter.

The use of face coverings and wearing of full body cover like the burqa was a serious security issue and people are put to constant risk and fear in Delhi, said the plea.

Face veils and burqas can be used to prevent identification at border check-posts. Saying public safety and the government offices in Delhi are at constant risk, the plea added that terrorists can use face veils and burqas as an instrument to carry out attacks.

 

--IANS

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