The Indian Army has told the Supreme Court that only Hindu Rajputs, Hindu Jats and Jat Sikhs are recruited to the President’s bodyguard (PBG) due to “functional requirement” but there is no caste or religion based discrimination in the recruitment.
The Army has said in an affidavit filed before the apex court that ceremonial duties in the Rashtrapati Bhawan demand guards with common height, built and appearance for the reason of pomp and projection, thus denying allegations of discrimination on the basis of caste and religion in recruitment to the PBG.
“It is stated that the example of PBG being open to only three classes cited by the petitioner (who alleged bias on part of Army) once again proves the point that force structuring/composition is purely based on functional requirement,” the affidavit said.
“PBG is a small unit of approximately 150 troops which is placed under the President’s Secretariat. Unlike what its name suggests, it is purely a ceremonial unit tasked to perform ceremonies as per the protocol at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The ceremonial duties demand common height, built, appearance and dress for reason of pomp and projection which are a set of important military attributes while performing such duties,” it said.
PBG was raised in 1773 at Benares by the then governor, Warren Hastings. Since being first christened as “The Guard of Moguls” in 1773, the Regiment has had various titles.