Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Against Early Leave for Muslim Employees During Ramzan

The Supreme Court of India has declined to hear a plea challenging the early leave granted to Muslim employees during Ramzan by the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments, The Economic Times reported. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, advised the petitioner to approach the respective high courts under Article 226 of the Constitution.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan represented the petitioner, who contested the circulars issued by both state governments. The bench expressed its disinterest in pursuing the matter, stating, “Please go to the high court.” Following this, Sankaranarayanan withdrew the petition, retaining the option to approach the high courts for resolution.

The Telangana government had issued a circular allowing Muslim employees to leave work an hour early during Ramzan, a practice echoed by the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, effective from March 2 to March 30. The decision aims to accommodate the religious observance during the holy month.