Telangana HC orders police protection for salon owner facing caste-based threats

The Telangana High Court has directed the state police to provide protection to Feroz Khan, a salon owner in Vikarabad town.

He was reportedly threatened for running a salon despite not belonging to the Mangali barber community.

Khan, who operates the 'Prince Men’s and Women’s Parlour', came under pressure from local residents on the very first day of opening his shop on June 21. A group allegedly questioned his right to run a barber business because he does not belong to the traditional barber caste.

Khan told the court that despite filing complaints about continued threats from "antisocial elements," the local police failed to act, which, he argued, was a violation of his constitutional right to practice any profession under Article 19(1)(g).

Taking serious note of the issue, Justice T Vinod Kumar directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and pursue action against the accused. An FIR was filed on July 14 against one Ramesh and others following Khan’s complaint.

To ensure Khan’s safety and ability to work without fear, the court ordered the police to deploy a patrol vehicle to visit the salon every three hours during business hours for one month. Additionally, a point book will be maintained at the premises to monitor the visits and ensure compliance.

The Government Pleader, representing the police, confirmed that officers had initially intervened to disperse the crowd on June 21 and that further steps were being taken as part of the ongoing investigation.