A landmark decision by the Delhi High Court offers a second chance to a CRPF constable barred from promotion due to a tattoo.
In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has intervened in a case involving a woman athlete who was deemed unfit for the position of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) head constable under the sports quota (weightlifting) due to a tattoo on her right forearm and hand. The court’s intervention came in response to a petition filed by the athlete, Davinder Kaur, who is already serving as a constable in the CRPF.
The Case
The case revolves around Davinder Kaur, a recognised weightlifter in the CRPF under the sports quota for weightlifting in the 59-kg category. Earlier this year, Kaur participated in the recruitment procedure for the position of head constable (GD) in the weightlifting (59 kg) category under the sports quota. However, her eligibility was called into question due to the presence of the tattoo, resulting in her being declared unfit for the role.
The Tattoo Controversy
Kaur’s lawyer, K.K. Sharma, argued in court that the tattoo had been removed and requested an opportunity for the petitioner to participate in the examination. Kaur, who has actively participated in CRPF competitions and achieved significant success, earning numerous medals in the 59 kg weightlifting category, claimed that the tattoo in question has been removed.
The Court’s Decision
In a move to ensure fairness, the court has directed the respondents to reevaluate Kaur’s case by the newly formed medical board within four weeks. The court stated, “If the petitioner is deemed fit by the medical board, she will be allowed to proceed with the further selection process. However, if the petitioner is found unfit, the decision will be considered final and binding.”
Implications and Impact
This decision by the Delhi High Court underscores the importance of fairness and equal opportunity in the recruitment process. It also highlights the need for clear guidelines regarding physical attributes such as tattoos in the recruitment process for security forces. The case serves as a precedent for similar situations in the future, potentially influencing recruitment policies and practices.
In conclusion, the Delhi High Court’s intervention, in this case, is a significant step towards ensuring fairness in recruitment processes. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact Kaur’s career and the broader recruitment practices within the CRPF and other security forces.