Photo used for illustrative purposes. File/

The Kozhikode headquartered MES that runs over 150 educational institutions in the state banned all face covering attires from their campus from the upcoming academic year 2019-20.

MES President Fazal Gafoor, a medical professional, issued the circular in April and directed that this should be strictly adhered to by both students and teachers in all their educational institutions.

"There is no need for any controversy as the circular states that the dress code should be decent and the face should not be covered. This is our view and it will be implemented," said Gafoor to the media.

Set up in 1964, MES runs more than 150 institutions including more than 50 schools, a number of postgraduate colleges, women's colleges, professional institutions like engineering colleges, medical college, nursing college and dental college.

However, Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal, president of the popular Muslim organisation Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, said that these are all religious issues.

"MES, cannot decide on religious issues and it's not right in what they have done," said Thangal.

Indo-Asian News Service