Indian court allows Muslim police officers to grow beard

In a landmark verdict, the Madras High Court has ruled in favour of Muslim police officers, allowing them to grow beards while on duty.

The case was filed by a police constable, named Abdul Qadir Ibrahim, who was barred from growing a beard by the assistant commissioner.

Justice L. Victoria Ghori heard the petition and referred to the Madras Police Gazette of 1957, which permits Muslim policemen in Tamil Nadu to have a beard on duty.

The court observed that India is a country of different religions and customs, and the police department cannot punish Muslim officers for keeping beards "according to their religious beliefs".

The verdict sets a precedent for Muslim police officers in the state to exercise their religious freedom without fear of persecution.

The case dates back to 2018 when Constable Abdul Qadir went on leave to perform Hajj.

Upon his return, he requested an extension of leave due to ill health, but the Assistant Commissioner rejected his application and objected to his beard. 

The high official subsequently registered two cases against him for not returning to duty.

The Indian court has now quashed the sentence order of the AC, paving the way for Muslim police officers to grow beards on duty without fear of reprisal.