A fresh controversy has erupted in Bihar after the state’s Director General of Police, Vinay Kumar, directed that police personnel should not wear religious accessories like mangalsutras, chandan tilak etc while in uniform. The move has triggered political and social reactions across the state.
According to the media reports, the police headquarters has recently taken strict steps to improve discipline within the force. Around 40 to 50 police personnel have been suspended for misusing social media while in uniform. Along with this, fresh instructions were issued stressing strict adherence to the dress code during duty.
As per the directive, police personnel are not allowed to display religious symbols such as chandan tilak while on duty. Similarly, female constables are barred frm from wearing visible jewellery or make-up while in uniform. According to the order, women personnel must refrain from wearing churis, kangans, mangalsutras, nose rings, or jhumkas that are visible over their uniforms.
Cops have also been prevented from wearing rings on all 10 fingers. The guideline says that the cops must wear the proper uniform while on duty, along with the allotted police cap and belt.
Notably, unlike the Indian Army, there are no clearly defined or uniform nationwide rules in the Indian police system that explicitly ban religious symbols while in uniform, which has added to the ongoing debate.
However, the order has sparked criticism, with several groups calling it unnecessary and hurtful to religious sentiments. There is also confusion, as detailed written guidelines have not been made public yet.
BJP leader hits out
BJP leader and former MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul strongly objected to the directive and accused the administration of bias. In a video statement, he said, “DGP has said that no one should come on duty wearing chandan. Then no one should come wearing a burqa, shaving moustaches or keeping long beards either. That is the real demand of democracy.”
He further added, “The policy of appeasement has already harmed this country a lot. If this is the intention, then it is not right in any way.” He also questioned why such rules were not being applied equally to all communities and said, “Discipline is important, but it should not become a tool to target any one religion.”
Vishwamitra Sena protests
The Vishwamitra Sena has also opposed the move, calling it against religious freedom. Its national convenor, Rajkumar Chaubey, said that the chandan tilak is an important part of Sanatan tradition and cultural identity.
He stated that banning it in the name of uniform rules is “unfair and discriminatory” and added that India’s Constitution gives every citizen the right to follow their religion. The organisation has demanded that the state government clarify its position and ensure that religious sentiments are not hurt.
