The Supreme Court of India has agreed to consider a plea that questions whether the suspension of a Muslim police constable for keeping a beard is a violation of the constitutional right to practice religion. This case challenges the suspension based on the Bombay Police Manual of 1951, which led to the disciplinary action against the constable of the Maharashtra State Reserve Police Force (SRPF).
The bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, will delve into the implications of Article 25 of the Constitution, which ensures freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion.
Constable Zahiroddin S Bedade, who brought the case forward in 2015, faced suspension for his refusal to comply with the grooming regulations that prohibit beards. Despite an earlier offer from the court to revoke his suspension if he shaved his beard, Bedade chose to uphold his religious practice and reject the condition.
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“This is an important issue of the Constitution,” stated Chief Justice Chandrachud, recognizing the significance of the case in balancing organizational discipline against individual religious rights. The matter is set for a detailed hearing on a non-miscellaneous day, indicating the court’s readiness to give this case the full consideration it requires.
