AMRITSAR: It is deeply disturbing to learn that a baptised Sikh girl, Gurpreet Kaur from TarnTaran Sahib district, was today denied entry to the Rajasthan Judicial Services examination at Poornima University, Jaipur, for wearing her sacred articles of faith — “Kara” and “Kirpan”.
Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal president Shiromani Akali Dal in his tweet said that these are not mere “iron-made articles” but integral symbols of Sikh identity and spirituality, protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to practice religion, including the Sikh right to carry the kirpan.
He said that This act of discrimination is a direct violation of constitutional rights and a painful reminder of recurring insensitivity toward Sikh religious practices.
"I strongly condemn this discriminatory action of the examination authorities and urge the Rajasthan Chief Minister to intervene immediately. Strict action must be taken against the officials responsible to ensure such incidents are not repeated."; he said .
Furthermore, I appeal to the Rajasthan High Court to provide Gurpreet Kaur a special opportunity to appear for the RJS examination, ensuring her right to uphold her faith is respected.