‘Wore kirpan…denied entry to Rajasthan judiciary exam', says baptised Sikh candidate; Jathedar Gargaj condemns
The candidate, Gurpreet Kaur, had made a video outside the exam centre claiming that she was denied entry because she had been wearing articles of Sikh faith.
'This is a serious violation of the Indian Constitution and religious discrimination against Sikhs,' said Gargaj. He cited Article 25, Explanation I of the Constitution, which affirms the right of Sikhs to wear the kirpan as part of their religious practice.
Questioning the role of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Rajasthan government, Jathedar Gargaj said, 'How is the BJP safeguarding Sikh interests in practice, when such incidents are taking place?'
He added, 'The entire world knows that baptised Sikhs wear the kirpan as a mandatory article of faith, yet Sikhs are repeatedly targeted in India for their distinct identity.'
The Jathedar noted that a similar incident took place during last year's recruitment process in Jaipur and Jodhpur, and said written communication from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and other Sikh organisations had already been sent to the Rajasthan government. 'Despite that, the same injustice is being repeated,' he stated.
Referring to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur being observed this year, Jathedar Gargaj said, 'While the nation commemorates the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, who sacrificed his life for religious freedom, Sikh symbols are being questioned and denied. Is this a true tribute to the Guru's sacrifice?'
He called on the Shiromani Akali Dal and the SGPC to form a joint delegation and meet with the prime minister, home minister, Rajasthan chief minister, and the registrar of the Rajasthan High Court to seek a resolution. 'The SGPC should consider filing a petition in the Rajasthan High Court to address the present and previous incidents and secure judicial remedy,' he said.
Following the incident, officials from the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib contacted former National Commission for Minorities chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura.
According to the Jathedar, Lalpura confirmed that the Commission had already issued directions permitting baptised Sikh candidates to appear in exams with the kirpan. Lalpura reportedly assured that he would raise the issue again with the Rajasthan High Court registrar.
Jathedar Gargaj has asked Lalpura to hold meetings with the prime minister and the Union home minister and submit a detailed report on the matter to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
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