By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Justice Markandeya Katju‘s remark on beard and burqa created a wave of anger among the Muslim Community. Muslim leaders condemned that and termed it an attack on religious rights.
In a press statement Mr. Suhail K.K, president of Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO), said: “The remarks of an apex court’s justice on beard is disappointing and against the secular fabric of the country.”
Criticizing Justice Markandeya Katju, he said: “Mr. Katju did not even bother to verify the fact that the relation of Muslims with sporting beard is not related to Taliban but with practicing the religion of Islam.”
“It is one of the fundamental rights of every Indian according to article 25 of Indian Constitution that he is free to practice and propagate his religion. It is as per this provision that the Sikhs of this country are allowed to sport beard, wear a turban and even carry knife” he added.
He further said that Justice Markandeya Katju should explain that how Sikh beard and a communist beard are treated different from that of a Muslim beard and why some sections are allowed and some not.
He also stated that long beard has been generally considered to be a symbol of dignity and wisdom in all societies including the Indian society.
“In ancient India the punishment for adultery was to have the beard of the offending parties publicly cut off and had such a sacred regard for the preservation of their beards that a man might pledge it for the payment of debt” he added.