Patna: Bihar director general of police (DGP) Vinay Kumar has issued fresh instructions to strengthen discipline and maintain the dignity of the police uniform, prohibiting personnel from displaying religious marks or wearing excessive personal ornaments while on duty. The directive has triggered political and social discussion in the state.Talking to reporters, Vinay said police officers in uniform must avoid applying “chandan” or “tilak”, even briefly. “If you are in uniform for even one second, you cannot apply tilak or chandan,” he said. He added wearing rings on all 10 fingers or any decorative ornamentation is not permitted with the official attire. For female officers, the rules ban prominent jewellery such as heavy ear, nose or mouth ornaments made of gold or diamonds.A limited allowance exists for minimal, symbolic items. Women constables have been asked to avoid visible accessories like bangles, kangans, mangalsutras, nose rings or jhumkas over the uniform, along with noticeable make-up.The guidelines also require officers to wear the complete prescribed uniform, including the official cap and belt, at all times during duty. The measures are part of a wider effort by police headquarters to enforce proper conduct. In recent weeks, around 40 to 50 personnel were suspended for creating and sharing social media reels while in uniform, raising concerns over misuse of official appearance.The move has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters see it as necessary for professionalism and neutrality, while some have questioned the absence of detailed written orders and whether the rules are applied uniformly.BJP leader and former MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul opposed the directive, saying similar restrictions should apply to all visible religious practices. He termed it “appeasement politics” and cautioned against targeting any faith.The Vishwamitra Sena also criticised the move. National convenor Rajkumar Chaubey said the chandan tilak has deep significance in Sanatan tradition and stressed the Constitution protects religious freedom. He urged the state govt to clarify the directive.Police officials said the instructions aim to preserve uniformity, discipline and the secular character of the force, without targeting any community.
