The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Centre and the Maharashtra government seeking explanation on whether a Muslim policeman can be allowed to sport a beard. A bench of justices P. Sathasivam and J.S.
Khehar sought the governments’ response within four weeks, saying, “A few high courts are against Muslim policemen sporting beards... We will look into this issue. We want to know the reaction of the Centre.”
The top court was hearing a plea by constable Zahiroddin Shamsoddin Bedade of the Maharashtra State Reserve Police Force, challenging the disciplinary proceedings initiated against him around six months ago for refusing to shave off his beard.