The hijab controversy in India’s southwestern state of Karnataka took a new turn on Monday after at least 30 students of IDSG Government First Degree College in Chikkamagaluru arrived wearing blue shawls and raised slogans in support of Muslim girls wearing hijab to class, reported Indian news outlet The Hindu.

The students wearing blue shawl chanted ‘Jai Bhim’ slogans and said they supported Muslim students right to wear hijab in schools and colleges as part of religious practice.

The contention grew as at the same time, around 30 students arrived protesting against hijab wearing saffron scarves. To counter blue shawls students ‘Jai Bhim’ slogans, saffron scarves students chanted ‘Jai Ram’ slogans.

They college administration intervened asking students to maintain calm. According to The Hindu, college principal Dr. K. A. Rajanna decided to declare Monday a holiday to avoid any unfortunate incidents.

Karnataka’s hijab controversy began when Muslim girls were stopped at the gate of Kundapur Pre-University College in Udupi district and denied entrance into classes for wearing hijab last week. The issue has spread throughout the state with protests taking place in many different schools and colleges.

The Karnataka government invoked Section 133(2) 0f the Karnataka Education Act-1983 according to which it is compulsory to wear a uniform style of clothes. The section gives the private school administration complete right to choose a uniform of its choice.

The controversy has reached the high court. On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court will hear filed by five Muslim students of the government pre-university college in Udupi, questioning hijab restrictions.