A Kashmiri Muslim doctor has alleged religious discrimination after he was compelled to forgo his admission to a prestigious super-speciality medical course in Tamil Nadu for refusing to shave his beard — a practice he regards as integral to his Islamic faith.
The doctor, who has chosen to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, had secured admission to the nephrology department at Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital in Coimbatore during the second round of NEET Super Speciality (SS) counselling. Upon reporting to the institute, he was reportedly asked to sign a policy document that barred beards for students, with officials warning that non-compliance would result in cancellation of his admission, according to Careers360.
Despite offering to wear a mask to cover his beard and expressing willingness to comply with the institute’s broader dress code, the hospital administration stood firm. The doctor was told the policy was mandated by the hospital chairman, a US-trained medical professional, and that the institute, being a corporate entity, expected full adherence.
“I humbly state that keeping a beard is an integral part of my Islamic faith, and I cannot be expected to compromise on this in a secular country like India, which guarantees freedom of religion under Article 25 of the Constitution,” the doctor wrote in his formal complaint. “Medical training and practice should be based on competence, ethics, and patient care – not personal appearance that doesn’t hinder hygiene or safety.”
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) intervened after the doctor’s complaint, instructing the hospital to allow him to join if he met all eligibility requirements. However, disillusioned by the ordeal and concerned about facing ongoing discrimination, the doctor opted not to join the institution. He has instead requested permission from NBEMS to re-enter the counselling process in the third round or next year.
“This kind of environment would only lead to stress over the next three years. I want to focus on learning, not litigation or tension,” he stated.
Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi reacted strongly, calling the incident a case of exclusion based on visible Muslim identity. “A Kashmiri Muslim doctor was denied his place, not for lack of merit, but for his beard,” he said. “This is deep-rooted discomfort with the visible Muslim identity. It tells us you can be Muslim, but only if we can’t see it.”
Mehdi also urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to look into the matter and ensure that such exclusionary practices are addressed.
