Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
India

Delhi High Court Seeks Centre's Stand On PIL To Allow Sikhs To Carry Kripan, Kara In Public Places

IANS, 05 Dec, 2018 12:01 AM
    The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought a response from the Centre, the AAP government and the police on a PIL (public interest litigation) seeking directions to them to allow Sikhs to carry the ‘kirpan’ and the ‘kara’ in public places.
     
     
    The PIL by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has contended that there was a violation of the fundamental right under the Constitution’s Article 25 of an 18-year-old Sikh youth, who was denied entry into the Red Fort on Independence Day this year when he went there to hear the Prime Minister’s speech as he was wearing a ‘kirpan’ and ‘kara’.
     
    A Bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice VK Rao issued notices to the ministries of Home Affairs and Defence as well as the Delhi government and the police, seeking their stand on the plea by March 27, the next date of hearing.
     
     
    The petition by the DSGMC has sought directions to the authorities to treat the rights of Sikhs to wear the ‘kirpan’ and ‘kara’ as part of their individual identity and part of the fundamental right to practise one’s religion under Article 25.
     
     
    It has sought directions to the authorities to sensitise the security agencies and the police about the religious rights available under the Constitution to Sikhs.
     
     
    It contended that Sikhs are allowed to carry the ‘kirpan’ and ‘kara’ on airplanes and sought framing of guidelines which would balance the security concerns and the enforcement of the fundamental right to profess any religion, as enshrined in the Constitution.
     
     
    Central Government standing counsel Ripudaman Singh Bhardwaj, appearing for the ministries, accepted the notice and said he would file a counter affidavit before the next date of hearing. 
     
     
    Sikh body: security forces need to be sensitised about kirpan, kara
     
     
    Reacting to the Delhi High Court notice seeking response of the Centre, the AAP government and the police on a PIL seeking directions to them to allow Sikhs to carry a ‘kirpan’ (a small knife) and ‘kara’ (bracelet) in public places, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief Manjit Singh G.K. proposed the adoption of a sensitising programme in security forces.
     
     
    Welcoming the Delhi High Court’s notice, Mr. Singh contended that the kirpan and the kara form a part of their religious identity and are not just symbols but articles of faith.
     
     
    Rebuking security forces for constant violation of the community’s constitutional rights, Mr. Singh said the PIL by the DSGMC was initiated after 18-year-old Jasprit Singh, who had travelled from Jaipur to Delhi to hear the PM’s speech on Independence Day, was denied entry to Red Fort on account of his carrying the kirpan.
     
     
    He went on to add that there were also cases of security forces stopping Sikh students from entering the exam hall during NEET medical entrance exams.
     
     
    “Security agencies are not aware of the religious sentiments involved in prohibiting the carrying of dagger in public spaces. This is not to undermine security concerns. The solution is to balance protection with the community’s constitutional right,” he said.
     
     
    Article 25 of the Constitution allows every citizen to practice and propagate any religion, said Mr. Singh.
     
     
    The High Court has sought replies by March 27, the next date of hearing.

    MORE India ARTICLES

    Punjab Cabinet Approves Setting Up Of International Airport At Halwara

    The civil terminal would be developed jointly by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Punjab government through a Joint Venture Company  

    Punjab Cabinet Approves Setting Up Of International Airport At Halwara

    Odisha Pardons Journalist Abhijit Mitra Jailed For Derogatory Remarks

    Odisha Pardons Journalist Abhijit Mitra Jailed For Derogatory Remarks
    The Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra and researcher was arrested on October 23 after he posted a video on his Twitter handle.

    Odisha Pardons Journalist Abhijit Mitra Jailed For Derogatory Remarks

    After Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti Opts Out Of 2019 Poll Race

    After Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti Opts Out Of 2019 Poll Race
    The senior BJP leader's announcement came days after her cabinet colleague Sushma Swaraj said she won't contest the next LS polls.

    After Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti Opts Out Of 2019 Poll Race

    2 Himachali Youths Stranded In Saudi Arabia Released, Tweets CM Jairam Thakur

    All residents of Himachal stranded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are safe. They have been lodged in the Riyadh Deportation Centre and efforts are on to get them released at the earliest.

    2 Himachali Youths Stranded In Saudi Arabia Released, Tweets CM Jairam Thakur

    It Is Official, Sikh Women In Chandigarh Need Not Wear Helmet Now

    It Is Official, Sikh Women In Chandigarh Need Not Wear Helmet Now
    Sikh women in Chandigarh will not be required to wear a helmet while driving or riding pillion on a two-wheeler as the Chandigarh Administration today issued a notification making the helmet optional for them.

    It Is Official, Sikh Women In Chandigarh Need Not Wear Helmet Now

    Pakistan Opens Immigration Centre At Kartarpur Border

    Pakistan Opens Immigration Centre At Kartarpur Border
    Pakistan has established an immigration centre at the Kartarpur border following the groundbreaking of the landmark corridor for Sikh pilgrims.

    Pakistan Opens Immigration Centre At Kartarpur Border