Court Intervenes in Recruitment Disqualification Due to Tattoo Removal Burns on Saluting Limb
Kolkata, September 25, 2026 — In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court's Division Bench comprising Justices Partha Pratim Roy and Tapabrata Chakraborty has directed an independent medical examination for Jhantu Sarkar, a candidate for the Central Armed Police Forces, whose recruitment was jeopardized due to a tattoo and subsequent burn mark on his right forearm. The decision underscores the importance of a fair recruitment process and the need for clarity in medical fitness guidelines.
Jhantu Sarkar was initially declared unfit by the Detailed Medical Examination (DME) Board on December 1, 2025, due to a tattoo on his right forearm, identified as the 'saluting limb'. Following tattoo removal, he was again deemed unfit by the Review Medical Examination (RME) Board on December 4, 2025, due to superficial burns resulting from the removal process.
The guidelines for recruitment medical examinations in the Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles permit tattoos only on the left forearm or the dorsum of the hands. However, Sarkar's case highlighted a gap in the guidelines, which do not specify a healing period for superficial burns caused by tattoo removal, unlike other conditions that have a defined healing duration of one to six months.
The court acknowledged the lack of specific provisions regarding the healing period for such burns and ordered the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kalyani, to constitute a Medical Board. This board, including a dermatologist, will assess whether the burn mark on Sarkar's right forearm is permanent and the time required for complete healing.
The court's order mandates the completion of this medical examination by the end of October 2026, with a report to be submitted thereafter. The Executive Director of AIIMS is tasked with informing Sarkar and the respondents of the examination date, allowing a representative from the respondents to be present.
This decision highlights the court's commitment to ensuring justice in recruitment processes and addressing ambiguities in medical guidelines that could unfairly disqualify candidates.
Bottom Line :
Recruitment to Central Armed Police Forces - Candidate declared unfit on ground of tattoo on right forearm and later on account of superficial burn after tattoo removal - Where guidelines disqualify tattoo on saluting limb but do not specifically deal with healing period for superficial burn caused by tattoo removal, issue requires independent medical examination - Court directed AIIMS, Kalyani to constitute Medical Board with dermatologist to opine whether burn mark is permanent and time required for complete healing.
Statutory provision(s): Guidelines for Recruitment Medical Examination in Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles, Clause 8(15), Clause 11(3), Clause 11(4).
Jhantu Sarkar v. Union of India, (Calcutta)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2989264
