Chandigarh: Expressing grave concern over the growing incidents of disrespect and discrimination against the sacred symbols of the Sikh faith, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene directly to put an end to this painful chain of events occurring across the country.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Badal specifically drew attention to an incident earlier today, in which Gurpreet Kaur, a devout Sikh girl from Tarn Taran Sahib district in Punjab, was allegedly stopped from entering the examination centre for the Rajasthan Judicial Services at Poornima University, Jaipur.
The reason cited was her wearing of the Sikh articles of faith: the Kara (iron bracelet) and Kirpan (ceremonial sword).
Calling the incident a gross violation of her constitutional rights guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution, Badal emphasized that this act denied her the fundamental right to freely practice her religion.
He noted that Article 25 specifically includes the Kirpan among the religious symbols of the Sikh community that are protected, even in sensitive areas like flights.
“It is shocking that lower-level authorities have framed or enforced rules that blatantly flout the Constitution of India. The Government of India must issue—or if necessary, reissue—clear and unambiguous guidelines to all states and Union Territories regarding the exemptions granted to the Sikh articles of faith,” wrote Badal.
The SAD chief stressed that this was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of religious intolerance toward the distinct identity of the Sikh community. He recalled a similar incident last year, where two Sikh girls were reportedly prevented from appearing for the Rajasthan Judicial Services exam at a center in Jodhpur.
“Sikhs and their identity are inseparable—a fact acknowledged and constitutionally mandated by the Founding Fathers of our nation. Unfortunately, some lower-level officials act as if they are above the Constitution. This must stop immediately, as such incidents disrupt communal harmony in the country,” Mr. Badal stated in his letter.
He further added, “You (PM Modi) are personally aware of the profound spiritual and emotional significance of Sikh religious symbols and what they mean to our devout and patriotic community. I urge you to issue immediate directions to ensure full respect for these symbols at all levels across the country.”
Mr. Badal also appealed to the Rajasthan High Court to grant Gurpreet Kaur a special opportunity to appear for the RJS examination, ensuring that her right to uphold her religious faith is respected.
Earlier in the day, the SAD president also requested Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to take strict action against the officials responsible and ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.
