Bihar DGP Bans Religious Symbols on Duty to Uphold Secular Image of Police Force

In a significant move aimed at maintaining discipline and projecting a secular image, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar has directed all police personnel to refrain from wearing chandan tilak or any other religious symbols while on duty.

According to the official directive issued from Bihar Police Headquarters, officers must strictly adhere to the prescribed dress code. The order explicitly prohibits sandalwood tilak and other visible religious markers, describing them as potentially detrimental to departmental discipline and confidentiality.

Female police officers have also been instructed to opt for simple makeup and avoid excessive adornment to ensure a professional appearance.DGP Vinay Kumar has asked heads of all police units and districts to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines. The step is part of broader efforts to strengthen uniformity and neutrality in the force.

The directive has triggered a sharp political row. Senior BJP leader Haribhushan Thakur questioned the selective nature of the order, asking whether similar restrictions would apply to burqas, beards, and other non-Hindu religious symbols. He stressed the need for equal treatment across all faiths in matters of religious expression.

The controversy erupted shortly after the Bihar Police initiated action against around 40 personnel for creating social media reels and selfies while in uniform, highlighting the DGP’s focus on maintaining decorum.