SGPC PIL in Punjab and Haryana High Court seeks guidelines for allowing kirpan in exam halls

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Union government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking uniform guidelines for allowing Sikh students to carry kirpan inside the examination centers.

The plea has been filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). A kirpan is a curved dagger that Sikhs carry with them.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry also issued notice to the Punjab and Haryana governments.

However, during the brief hearing, the Court questioned the need for carrying the "knife" in the examination hall.

"What is the use of a knife in an examination hall? ... If there is a clash between religious sentiments and the security of the State, which prevails?" Chief Justice Nagu asked.

Senior Advocate PS Hundal told the Court that SGPC will be filing such PILs across different High Courts.

He said Sikhs carry kirpan as an integral part of their religious faith. He referred to an incident where a candidate was not allowed to carry a kirpan into an exam hall in Rajasthan.

"We had gone to Hon'ble Supreme Court and the Hon'ble Supreme Court directed to file these petitions in all High Courts. A uniform policy should be adopted so that this does not occur again and again. Complaints are there," Hundal said.

There is no law which bans wearing of kirpans, he added.

The Court then said the respondents can file an affidavit.

"Notice be issued ... Let them file a reply," the Court said.