CHICAGO: Jack O’Malley, the state’s attorney of Cook County Illinois visited Sikh religious society of Chicago in Palatine, Illinois, on Aug.30, met with the Sikh community leaders in a small group reception and Sikh American issues were discussed, Later he addressed the Gurdwara Sangat. O’Malley was informed about Sikhism by DrJasbir Kaur, Sikh issues by Dr.Balwant Singh Hansra and Sikh Human Rights Violations problems by Shivji Singh Hundal.
O’Malley was appraised of a pending court case against a black American Bernard Singh of Chicago who has adopted Sikhism and wears the traditional “kirpan” (a small sword) as his Sikh religious symbol. A cab driver, Singh was stopped by Chicago police and charged with carrying an un lawful weapon, (his kirpan which is a religious requirement for all baptized Sikhs since the year 1699). His court case is being defended by attorneys Jarnail Singh Kanda and Ahmed Patel. So far the court case date has been postponed three times without hearing.
State’s attorney Jack O’Malley took the particulars of the “kirpan” court case and assured the community in his speech of a fair trial. O’Malley also explained the nature of other services available from his office,
Jack O’Malley, 40, a former Chicago police officer and a lawyer is running for a second term in the same office in November ’92 elections, O’Malley’s visit to Gurudwara was arranged by Rajinder Singh Mago, member of Asian American Advisory Council to the governor of Illinois.
Meeting logistics were taken care of by S.R.S. board and Mohinder jit Singh Saini. S.R.S. President Gurdip Singh Sangha presented the vote of thanks.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 25, 1992
