The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in a case that could determine whether a former Louisiana inmate can sue prison officials for cutting his dreadlocks in violation of his Rastafari religious beliefs.

Damon Landor seeks financial damages under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, a federal law intended to protect the religious rights of inmates. The incident occurred during his five-month prison term in 2020, when guards at Raymond Laborde Correctional Center forcibly shaved his head, despite Landor’s adherence to Rastafari practices and carrying a court ruling supporting such religious protections.

After two hours of arguments, the court’s three liberal justices appeared sympathetic to Landor’s claim. It remains uncertain whether any of the six conservative justices would join them, a critical factor in achieving a majority.

Louisiana contends the federal law does not permit holding prison officials financially accountable, and lower courts have so far dismissed similar claims. Justice Amy Coney Barrett acknowledged the egregious facts but noted that previous courts “went the other way.”

The case could draw parallels with the Supreme Court’s 2020 decision allowing Muslim men to sue over their inclusion on the FBI’s no-fly list under a related statute, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Landor’s legal battle highlights broader issues surrounding religious freedom and prison policies. The Rastafari faith, originating in 1930s Jamaica as a response to colonial oppression, emphasizes spiritual connection to the Old Testament and African heritage, famously popularized worldwide by musicians such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

Louisiana maintains it has amended its prison grooming policies to prevent similar incidents. The court’s decision in Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections (23-1197) is expected by spring.