SC to examine whether IA can sack man with untrimmed moustache

New Delhi, Feb 11 (UNI) The Supreme Court today decided to examine the issue whether Indian Airlines can throw a man out of job for not trimming his moustache.

A bench comprising Justice H K Sema and Justice Markandey Katju issued notices to Indian Airlines on a petition filed by Joynath Victor De, who was compulsorily retired by Indian Airlines for not trimming his moustache.

He was compulsorily retired when he was 55. He challenged the action of the Indian Airlines in Calcutta High Court where a single Judge allowed his petition but the two Judge bench of the same Court reversed the order of the learned single Judge on July 6, 2007.

Counsel for the petitioner questioned in the court whether it was permissible under the law to terminate the services of the petitioner without giving him an opportunity to defend himself during a regular inquiry in accordance with law.

The main contention of the Indian Airlines in the High Court was that De had been violating the instructions issued on uniform turnout specially with regard to moustaches.

According to the petitioner, the office order was withdrawn in 1996 and fresh order was issued in 1998. He was compulsorily retired on January 11, 2001 holding him guilty of violating instructions particularly with regard to moustache.

Indian Airlines and Air India share the logo Maharaja, proud owner of a handlebar moustache.

UNI AKS/SC BDP RP RK1748