Delhi High Court Denies Promotion To CRPF Officers Who Removed Forearm Tattoos After Being Declared 'Unfit"

The Delhi High Court recently denied relief to two CRPF officers who were declared ‘unfit’ for being considered for the post of Assistant Commandant (GD) through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE)- 2023 in CAPF on account of them having a Tattoo on right forearm (Saluting Arm).

Though the concerned officers got their respective tattoos removed, the High Court observed that they can reap no benefit for the same in the present proceedings and they may apply for the next examination.

"The existence of tattoos which are not permissible as per the revised guidelines is not disputed by the Petitioners. Thus, the Petitioners were ineligible to be considered for promotion as Assistant Commandant through LDCE," the high court's bench of Justices Amit Mahajan and Anil Kshetarpal has said.

"Furthermore, the eligibility of the Petitioners is required to be examined on the last day of submitting the application. In exercise of powers of judicial review, the Court is not expected to provide an additional opportunity to the Petitioners. Consequently, subsequent removal of the tattoo would not cure the ineligibility suffered by the Petitioners," the bench added.

The two officers Ankit Mann and Pradhan Chaudhary had appeared for detailed medical examination and were found unfit on account of a Tattoo on the right forearm.

Union of India informed the high court that rejection of the candidature was in accordance with revised Medical Guidelines issued by MHA and amended from time to time for recruitment of GOs and NGOs in the CAPFs and AR. As per the guidelines only tattoos marked on traditional sites of the body like inner aspect of the forearm, but only left forearm, being non-saluting limb or dorsum of the hands with size less than 1/4 of the particular part (Elbow or Hand) of the body are to be allowed.

Before the high court it was stressed that the Petitioners underwent a surgery and got the tattoo removed immediately after they were found unfit in the review medical examination and that they had remained in unhindered service. "Be that as it may, the Petitioners who are already members of the Disciplinary Force cannot be permitted to plead ignorance of revised medical guidelines, more particularly when they are seeking selection to the post of Assistant Commandant through LDCE," the high court noted.

Case Title: Ankit Mann vs Union of India

Bench: Justices Mahajan and Kshetarpal

Judgment Date: July 1, 2026