India land of many religions; Muslim policemen allowed to maintain trim, tidy beard: Madras HC
Chennai: The Madras High Court has ruled that Muslim policemen in Tamil Nadu are allowed to maintain trimmed and tidy beards while on duty, as per the 1957 Madras Police Gazette.
Justice L Victoria Gowri stressed on India's diverse religious landscape, stating that the police department cannot penalize Muslim officers for following their religious practices.
"The said norms (of the Madras Police Gazette) throw light on the fact that Muslims are permitted to maintain trim and tidy beard even while on duty. India being a land of diverse religions and customs, the beauty and uniqueness of the land vest in the diversity of the citizen's beliefs and culture. Despite the department of the police of the Government of Tamil Nadu warrants strict discipline, the duty of upkeeping discipline in the department does not permit the respondents to initiate punishment on employees belonging to the minority communities, particularly Muslims for maintaining a beard which they do throughout their lives by following the commandments of Prophet Mohammed," the June 5 order said.
The decision came after a police constable was punished for appearing with a beard post his pilgrimage to Mecca. The constable had been on a 31-day leave for the pilgrimage and sought an extension due to a leg infection. The Assistant Commissioner denied the leave extension and questioned his bearded appearance.
In 2019, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) issued charges against the constable for maintaining a beard and for not reporting back to duty after his 31-day leave. Consequently, his salary increment was halted for three years. The constable appealed, and the punishment was later reduced to a two-year halt without cumulative effect.
The High Court found the punishment disproportionate and quashed the Commissioner's penal order, directing a fresh order within eight weeks.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
