Sir,
The wearing and carrying of kirpans is a fundamental right of a Sikh as per Article 25 (explanation 1) of ‘Constitution of India. Denying this right is a palpable violation of the fundamental right to a Sikh. Yet, Mr. Dhian Singh Mand, a recently elected M.P., has been denied entry to Parliament House because of his refusal to part with his kirpan.
The Sikhs are being blamed for not abiding by the Constitution, put the fact is that in-spite of being butchered on the streets of Delhi and killed in fake encounters in Punjab they still believe in it. It is the Government which does not believe in it as far as the rights of the Sikhs are concerned.
Anyhow it is a test case for the Government of India. If this religious right is not given to an M.P., then what can the Sikhs expect with regard to other rights?
Trilochan Singh Amritsar
Article extracted from this publication >> February 9, 1990
