Salim's lawsuit has a chequered history at the apex court. Earlier it had been dismissed March 30 this year with another apex court bench making a remark that Muslim students cannot insist on sporting beards as it would lead to 'Talibanisation' of the country.

Facing criticism from Muslim groups, Justice Markandeya Katju later apologised for the remark and had recalled his order dismissing Salim's lawsuit.

While tendering the apology July 5, he had referred the lawsuit to Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan's bench, saying that the matter should be heard by another bench.

Accordingly, the matter was heard Friday by a bench of Justice Agrawal.