Bengaluru, May 14 -- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday strongly defended the state government's decision to permit hijabs in schools and colleges as part of a revised dress code policy, stating that the move was in line with the constitutional principle of "Sarva Dharma Samabhava" (equal respect for all religions).

In a detailed media statement issued amid criticism from opposition parties, Siddaramaiah said the revised dress code was not intended to appease or hurt any particular community, but rather to respect the traditions and customs of all religions and castes.

"The revised dress code has been implemented in accordance with the constitutional principle of equal respect for all religions. It is neither meant to app...