Skullcap or black scarf for Ayyappa, rules don’t prohibit practising religion, says BMTC

The incident occurred around 10 days ago while the bus was plying to Uttarahalli from Shivajinagar, according to the officials of the BMTC.

ByMahesh M Goudar

Published Jul 14, 2023 | 7:57 PM ⚊UpdatedJul 14, 2023 | 7:57 PM

Karnataka Bus Conductor Woman

A screengrab from the video of the incident. Bus conductor removes skull cap after woman passenger objects. (supplied)

A recent interaction involving a woman passenger and a bus conductor from the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) over the latter wearing a skull cap has stirred up a heated debate on social media platforms.

The video capturing the encounter showcased a contentious conversation over the conductor choosing to wear a skullcap while on duty, and went viral quickly.

The incident sparked widespread discussions on religious expression, cultural diversity, and the boundaries of personal beliefs in public-service professions.

The clip elicited both support and criticism from various quarters, reflecting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding religious attire in public spaces.

However, no police complaint has been registered in the matter.

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What is the incident?

A 1-minute-37-second video shot inside a BMTC bus captured an incident involving a bus conductor and a woman passenger over the former wearing a skullcap while on duty.

In the video, the woman can be heard repeatedly asking the conductor about his choice of headgear along with his uniform.

Throughout the video, the woman persistently questioned the conductor wearing the skullcap with his uniform.

The conductor, in response, politely defended his choice by mentioning that he had been wearing the cap for many years without any objections.

The woman countered his argument by suggesting that he should practise his religion at home or in the mosque, emphasising that as a government employee, he should not wear the skullcap while on duty.

The woman insisted that the conductor immediately remove his skullcap — a symbol of his religious beliefs — while on duty. Even as the woman passenger shamed the conductor for his skull cap, he maintained composure, attempting to explain to the woman that there were no rules prohibiting it.

She emphasised the importance of adhering to the law, stating that it applied to all individuals, without exception.

In response, the bus conductor calmly reassured the woman and complied with her request, removing his skullcap and placing it securely in his pocket.

The video, shot by a woman herself, recorded the entire episode.

Also read: Police book BJP member for harassing hijab-wearing doctor

No specific law: BMTC

In light of the viral video circulating on social media, an official from the BMTC stated unequivocally that there was no specific regulation in place to restrict bus conductors, drivers, or any other employees of the corporation from expressing and practising their religious beliefs while fulfilling their duties at work.

BMTC spokesperson Latha T told South First: “The incident has come to our notice. It was reported about 10 days ago while a bus was going from Shivajinagar to Uttarahalli.”

“We have not launched any investigation on the incident. No complaint has also been filed. We are not collecting identity details of the woman.”

On the practising of religious beliefs, Latha pointed out: “The laws and rules for the uniforms of bus conductors and drivers have been in place for the last four decades. There is no specific mention of restricting employees from wearing religious items along with uniforms.”

“Even when many employees wear an Ayyappa Mala — as part of a Hindu religious observance — for 41 days (in December and January) as they are devotees of Kerala’s Sabarimala Swamy Ayyappa, we allow them and never restrict any employees from following their religious beliefs,” added the BMTC spokesperson.

KSRTC Kolar Division Controller Basavaraj V told South First: “As per the uniform code — khaki shirt and pant is the dress code for all the bus conductors and drivers working under State Road Transport Corporations (SRTCs).”

“There are no specific rules restricting the bus drivers and conductors from practicing religious beliefs while on-duty. Even there are no rules on allowing it,” said Basavaraj.

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Mixed response from netizens   

The incident led to a clash of opinions regarding religious attire and its appropriateness within a government work setting.

Many netizens applauded the conductor for being calm and behaving politely with the woman. Several others termed this incident “moral policing” by the woman.

The Congress Media and Communications general secretary Lavanya Ballal Jain tweeted: “All women must take advantage of the Shakti scheme. Please stop harassing the employees busy at work. It’s unnecessary and it’s moral policing. [sic]”

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kamran tweeted: “The lady who recorded this should be arrested for harassing government servants. Was it the right thing to do? We also wear our religious marks like tilak or cross. But it’s not affecting the delivery of duty. [sic]”

Another person, Abid Momin, tweeted: “Who authorized this woman to raise objections on the hat of #BMTC conductor she is violating Constitutional rights and interfering with government duties [sic].”

A person with an handle NaMo tweeted: “young brave #hindu girl, who is a sensation in #karnataka today She questioned a #muslim #bmtc bus conductor on his uniform when he is on duty. [sic]”

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