The Court of Appeal yesterday issued an interim order instructing the management of Eastern University to immediately permit access to a student who was prevented from attending lectures and examinations for allegedly having a beard.

According to Daily News, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne issued the order after taking up for consideration the writ petition that had been filed by the student. 

The justice also issued a notice to the authorities including the University’s Vice-Chancellor to present facts before the Court of Appeal on September 14 regarding the refusal of the student to attend lectures and examinations.

The petition was filed by Abdul Rahim Mohammad Nawshad, a final-year student of the Faculty of Nursing, at Eastern University. 

President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, who appeared for the petitioner student, informed the court that the student is an Islamic follower and was growing a beard based on his religious beliefs.

He pointed out that two university lecturers had not allowed the student to attend lectures due to his beard, adding that the university administration had refused to give him admission to appear for the final year examination over lack of mandatory attendance.

Stating that the university administration had suddenly decided to implement the regulations regarding the dress code of the university students in March last year, President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris said the student had been growing his beard before the new regulations.

President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris stressed it was unfair and unacceptable to impose regulations that prevent students from acting based on religious beliefs.

After considering the facts, Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne pointed out that it appears that there has been injustice by suddenly imposing such regulations.

Accordingly, the petition was fixed for hearing on September 14. (NewsWire)

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