Northern Cyprus Court: Disciplinary regulation does not ban the hijab but requires parliamentary approval

In Northern Cyprus, a dispute has arisen over the so-called Disciplinary Regulation. This is a document containing rules intended to regulate the behavior and discipline of civil servants, teachers, and students. It sets out duties, restrictions, penalties for violations, and procedures for hearings. The government attempted to introduce the regulation through a cabinet decision, without parliamentary involvement, which sparked criticism.

Lawyers stated that such a move contradicts the constitution, as only the parliament can establish such rules. Additionally, there was public debate over whether the regulation violates the principle of secularism. One source of controversy was the assumption that the document could restrict wearing the hijab in schools and public service, raising concerns among part of the population.

The matter reached the Constitutional Court. The court ruled that the regulation itself does not violate the secular nature of the state and does not contain a hijab ban. However, it cannot come into force without parliamentary approval. Thus, the government exceeded its authority by attempting to implement it independently.

The leader of the People's Party, Kudret Özersay, emphasized that the real issue is not religious but procedural. According to him, the government bypassed the parliament, although such decisions must be made by the legislators. Özersay also warned that authorities may again submit the document for a vote as a bill. If the parliament approves it, the regulation will come into force.

This case has become an example of a broader problem — the overlap of executive and legislative powers. The court effectively reminded that rules affecting the lives of thousands of teachers, civil servants, and students must be approved by parliament and not enacted by government decree.