Kashmiri doctor denied admission at KMCH for refusing to shave his beard: J&K Students Association
Coimbatore: Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has sought Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin's intervention in an alleged case of religious discrimination at Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital (KMCH) in Coimbatore.
In a letter to the chief minister on Thursday, the association's national convenor, Nasir Khuehami, stated that Dr Zubair Ahmad, a doctor from Kashmir who secured a DrNB (Nephrology) seat at KMCH through NEET-SS counselling, was denied admission for refusing to shave his beard, which he maintains as a religious obligation.
Despite offering to cover his beard with a surgical mask and adhere to all hygiene protocols, the hospital insisted on a clean-shaven appearance, reportedly as part of its dress code.
Unable to comply, Dr Zubair withdrew from the programme and has sought permission from the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to participate in the next round of counselling and refund of his ₹2 lakh security deposit.
The association condemned the policy as discriminatory and unconstitutional, citing Article 25 which guarantees religious freedom.
It urged the chief minister to protect such freedoms in educational and healthcare institutions, reaffirming Tamil Nadu's legacy of inclusivity and social justice.
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When contacted, R Narayanan, vice-president of KMCH, said, "We asked the student to trim his beard to maintain grooming norms. We did not ask him to shave it off. For all employees, we have a clean-shave policy. Those who wish to keep a beard must keep it trimmed, in accordance with their religious norms."
"We have explained this to the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, clarifying that the student is expected to adhere to the grooming norms. We did not deny him admission — the decision now lies with the student," he said.
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