SGPC chief flays incident of Sikh student asked to remove turban, kirpan during exam at Ratlam

PTC Web Desk:  Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has strongly condemned an incident during a Madhya Pradesh Lok Sewa Commission examination in Ratlam, where a Sikh girl candidate wearing a turban and kirpan was allegedly asked to remove them.

Advocate Dhami said the principles and traditions of Sikhism were well-known across India, and the Sikh articles of faith (kakaars) are widely respected.

“Despite this awareness, questioning the wearing of kakaars is deeply hurtful,” he said.

He further stated that repeatedly preventing Sikh children from wearing articles of faith during examinations violates the Constitution and makes Sikhs feel alienated even within their own country. Although the exam staff reportedly apologised for the incident, Advocate Dhami said it has caused emotional distress within the Sikh community.

The SGPC president added that such incidents are formally reviewed during the committee’s general meetings, and recommendations are sent to the Centre for appropriate action.

He demanded that the Centre issues clear instructions to all state governments to ensure respect for Sikh articles of faith and religious symbols during examinations, and that strict action should be taken against any violation.