Tattoo on saluting arm: Delhi HC denies promotion to CRPF inspectors
The Delhi High Court has dismissed petitions by two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) inspectors who were denied promotion to assistant commandant due to tattoos on their right forearms. The court ruled that personnel in disciplined forces cannot claim ignorance of recruitment rules, and subsequent tattoo removal cannot cure prior ineligibility.
Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Amit Mahajan heard the case of Ankit Mann and Pradhan Choudhary, who challenged medical reports declaring them unfit. The court noted that revised guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs (2015) permit tattoos only on specified body parts, and the inspectors' tattoos on the right forearm violated these rules.
The petitioners had joined the CRPF as sub-inspector and constable in 2012 and 2010 respectively, later becoming inspectors. They applied for promotion through the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2023, cleared the written test in June 2024, and passed physical tests in July 2024. However, detailed medical examinations in August 2024 found them unfit due to the tattoos. A review the next day confirmed the finding.
The court observed that while the rules do not ban tattoos outright, they restrict location, content, and size. The petitioners had tattoos on their right forearms—part of the saluting arm—which is not permitted. Even removal later cannot undo ineligibility at the time of application.
The bench also warned that allowing the petitions would harm already selected candidates. The court stated no fault lies with authorities for conducting the review promptly. The petitioners may apply for future examinations if they now meet criteria.
