New Delhi, Dec 16: Beards are not a universal requirement in Islam, and Muslims in the Indian Air Force can't flout the service rule on shaving, the Supreme Court has said.
Maintaining that discipline and uniformity are of paramount importance in the IAF, the bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao, observed the tenets of Islam do not prohibit cutting of hair or shaving of the face, as in the case of Sikhs.
Ansari Aaftab Ahmed and Mohammed Zubair, recruited as airmen, were sacked for growing beards even after they were denied permission.
They claimed it was a fundamental right to freedom of religion. The IAF countered their plea, saying beards were not universally recognised in Islam.
According to a 2003 defence ministry notification, only those Muslims who sported beards and moustaches at the time of commissioning (prior to January 1, 2002) could retain them. The court noted uniformity of personal appearance was essential to a cohesive, disciplined and coordinated functioning of an armed force.
“Every armed force raised in a civilised nation has its owndress and deportment' policy. Evidently, these provisions have been introduced having due regard to the security concerns inherent in maintaining identity in the armed forces,” it said.
Not a right
The bench said India was a secular nation in which every religion had to be treated equally, but at the same time, “the overarching necessity of a force... raised to protect the nation is to maintain discipline”.
The court saw no reason to interfere in the air force regulations and policies. Under the 2003 regulations, only Sikhs are allowed to sport unshorn hair and wear turbans, while others are required to obtain a permission to grow beards.
Comments
In fact beard is the identity of every muslim (Sunnah of Prophet PBUH). Unfortunatly muslim fond of western culture or following film stars, boxer, etc etc.. some case wife does not need any different in her face and her husband.. some muslim scared even to follow the sunnah...
Sikhs are patriotic community and never back stabbed India. ..like druze community in Israel ...their reps in army is 17% ..which is 3 times more than their population ....there Is a reason why govt don't allow under secular rules is during partition ...bearded community back stabbed India ....India had committed mistake by forming their community regiment ....no double standard ...high time exit doors must be shown to jihadist ....obba mama heltavne ...avnu army bittu bandu yenanno tolkondu avnsnthe ....middle nalle army bittu bandre it means disciple follow madade iddudakke odsidaare ...
When people are going GODLESS they are deceived that they are the one who create life in this earth... and they can do whatever they like...
It their FOOLISHNESS and they are digging their own dark Graves....
Divine religion says YES to beard and the opposite will decline it... If U really have faith in ALLAH U will stick and live your job, cos we believe ALLAH is the creator of all that exists and in times of trials , we should be in patience... Leave your job ... Allah will give u a better job.. in-Shaa ALLAH. (Y im saying this is bcos ... I experienced the same , I left my job cos of the same reason but I have better job with triple the salary - ALHAMDULLILLAH Thanks to ALLAH)
Intolerance.
gud decision,,,,,,it is not compulsory....for sardars it is compulsory,,,u can look at Barack Obama he does not have beard.....whereas Manmohan has it.......lol
Double standard
What about sardar?
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