Telangana News

The Supreme Court ruled that barring Air Force personnel from sporting long beard did not 'interfere' with freedom of religion. 

The regulations of the armed forces are aimed at ensuring discipline and uniformity, the court said, upholding the sacking of an Air Force man for keeping a beard. The apex court quashed the petition of Ansari Aftab Ahmed, who was discharged from the service in 2008. The bench, rejecting his plea, said that, the dress code was not discriminatory.

Citing examples of Sikh personnel, who is allowed to sport long hair, turban and beard, Ansari had argued that sporting beard was part of his fundamental right to freedom of religion. 

The Indian Air Force, responding to the notice, told the Supreme Court, “All Muslims do not carry beard. The practice of growing and keeping beard is optional and sporting a beard is not universally recognized in the religion of Islam.”

"It cannot be said that the Muslim religion prohibits the cutting of hair or shaving of the face of its member," the IAF contended.