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NEW DELHI - For more than 40 years, Joynath Victor De has cherished his handlebar moustache, grooming and caring for it daily.
But De's employers, Indian Airlines, for which he had worked since 1968, dismissed him on the grounds that his moustache was too long.
Now India's highest court has become involved.
De has been fighting his battle with the airline for some time. He was promoted to assistant manager of flight services in 1994 and it was then he fell foul of the rules.
"All the time I worked for the airline, my moustache attracted many adoring eyes inside the plane and on the ground," De said.
A spokesman for Indian Airlines said its rules did not allow wearing of moustaches, which could be unhygienic.
Indian Airlines has four weeks to respond to De's appeal.
- INDEPENDENT
