shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > News > India News > Article > Madras HC quashes punishment of Muslim policeman over beard

Madras HC quashes punishment of Muslim policeman over beard

Updated on: 17 July,2024 08:10 AM IST  |  Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
ANI |

The petitioner is working as a police constable in Madurai and belongs to the Muslim community. He keeps a beard according to his religious beliefs

Madras HC quashes punishment of Muslim policeman over beard

Representational Image. Pic Courtesy/iStock

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has quashed the punishment order against a Muslim policeman by the authorities for sporting a beard.


The court was hearing the petition filed by G Abdul Khadar Ibrahim of Madurai, a Grade I police constable.


The petitioner is working as a police constable in Madurai and belongs to the Muslim community. He keeps a beard according to his religious beliefs.


He went on vacation to Makkah and Madinah for 31 days from November 9 to December 9, 2018. Later, he requested the Assistant Commissioner of Police extend his leave on December 10 due to an injury to his left leg.

However, as his leave was not extended, a departmental inquiry was held seeking an explanation regarding the beard. Subsequently, the policeman's pay increment was reduced by two years as punishment for growing a beard.

The petitioner pointed out that policemen and even members of the Muslim community are allowed to keep neat beards while on duty. This is also permissible under the Police Act.

"The petitioner has applied for leave with a medical certificate. He should be granted leave. On the contrary, it is shocking that the Madurai District Police Commissioner ordered his pay increment to be withheld. Therefore, the order suspending the increase in pay of the petitioner is set aside," the court said.

The court concluded the case by commenting that the Madurai Police Commissioner should issue an appropriate order in this matter within eight weeks.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK