OTTOWA: Government regulation changed, around March, 1990, to allow turbans in the RCMP uninform of Sikh Monty these changes were implemented whether recommendations by the RCMP commissioner’s No man in Inkster Three Sisters in let bridge Alberta produced a petition from to 210,000 people and attempted stop these changes without success there retired RCMP members later field Filled a case against the in federal court of Canada.
The world Sikh organization made an application to federal court of the Canada on December 14, 1993 for intervener status in the space the Civil liberties as location of the Calgary with religious coalition group of Edmonton and the Sikh Society of Calgary also made applications for intervener status. The WSO, Civil Liberties Association, and the Human Rights Commission were granted intervener status on December 13,1993, WSO was allowed to apply to the Federal Court of Canada to extend the status If required during the trial.
The trial commenced on Jan.25,1994 in Calgary Federal Court of Canada. Plaintiff lawyers put forward seven witnesses (some expert witnesses On Religion and the state, relationship, symbols. ete,). WSO lawyers, Ram Raghbir Singh Chahal, and Gian Singh Sandhu were not satisfied with the Crown’s handling of the defense to date and on January 27,1994, WSO made a motion to extend intervener status to cross examine Plaintiff witnesses and introduce one witness from the WSO. The WSO, represented by the law firm ‘of Schroeder and Pigeon, Barristers and Solicitors, was granted the extended status and Gian Singh Sandhu took the stand as witness Gian Singh touched on the religious aspects of the turban and the role of Sikh Mounties and stressed that all Sikh Mounties can serve Canadians like any other officer in the force, while practicing, their own religion, The appearance of Sikh mountie, with a turban as part of the ROMP uniform, will not affect his duties, but will provide a role mode}, nationally and internationally, The Crown also produced seven expert witnesses in defense, which included Dr. MacLeod and Dr. Ben Cuson who performed extremely well. Dr. Macleod stressed the requirement of the than for the Sikhs and its significance in the religion. He stressed the differences between the Sikhs and their religion in comparison to other countries (where turbans are also worn) and that the mandatory requirement for Kesdhari and baptized Sikhs cannot be compromised. The trial adjourned February 1, 1994, pending the submission of written presentations and the presentation of oral submissions to the court, which is scheduled to be held in the third week of April, 1994. The Court is expected to render a decision in late April or early May, At the present time written submissions are being reviewed by WSO legal counsel and responses will be submitted shortly.
The trial went well and by God’s grace, we hope for a favorable decision, our gratitude goes out to our legal counselors, Mr. Drew Schroeder and Mrs, Shergill, who represented the Sikh community with skill and confidence in this precedent setting case.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 8, 1994
