In a case that cuts to the intersection of personal expression and military discipline, the Delhi High Court has taken issue with the Union Home Ministry’s rule that automatically disqualifies candidates with tattoos on their right forearms from joining the Central Armed Police Forces.
The guideline, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), allows tattoos only on the left forearm — considered the “non-saluting” arm — and only if the design is limited in size and depicts a religious symbol or name. The Ministry defended the rule as a measure to preserve “good order and discipline” and to prevent what it described as “western-influenced skin art” from spreading within the ranks.
But the Bench of Justices C Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla wasn’t convinced. “Prima facie, the basis for disqualifying the petitioner may be questionable,” the Court remarked, issuing notice to the Centre to explain why the restriction should stand.
The challenge was brought by Vipin Kumar, a candidate denied recruitment as a motor mechanic vehicle after examiners discovered a tattoo on his right forearm. Kumar argued that the tattoo had no bearing on his eligibility or discipline and even offered to have it surgically removed if required.
The Court noted the internal inconsistency of the policy — that a tattoo on the left arm is acceptable, but the same on the right is taboo — and questioned whether such reasoning could stand legal scrutiny. “The respondents seem to find nothing objectionable if the tattoo is on traditional sites of the body like the inner forearm, yet object when it appears on the right arm, citing the influence of western culture,” the judges observed.
The matter will come up for further hearing on November 17.
