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Key Points

A Punjab sarpanch was denied entry to PM Modi's Independence Day event for carrying a kirpan, sparking outrage. BJP Sikh leader R.P. Singh intervened, calling it a constitutional rights violation. Delhi Police apologized and promised an inquiry into the incident. The case highlights tensions between security protocols and Sikh religious freedoms.

Key Points: BJP Sikh Leader R.P. Singh Backs Punjab Sarpanch Denied Entry With Kripan

  • BJP leader R.P. Singh supports sarpanch barred over kirpan at Modi event
  • Delhi Police vows probe after Sikh rights violation complaint
  • Article 25 protects kirpan as essential Sikh religious article
  • Supreme Court precedent cited in Balwant Singh vs Rajasthan case
2 min read

'Kripan' curbs at PM's I-Day event: BJP Sikh leader fights for Punjab sarpanch's rights

BJP's R.P. Singh defends Sikh sarpanch barred from PM Modi's I-Day event over kirpan, calls it constitutional rights violation.

"This was a violation of constitutional rights - R.P. Singh on kirpan entry denial"

New Delhi, Aug 18

A Punjab sarpanch, denied entry to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s event at Red Fort on Independence Day for carrying the sacred ‘kripan’, got support on Monday from Sikh BJP leader R.P. Singh, who described the episode as a “violation of constitutional rights.”

The BJP National Spokesperson took up cudgels on behalf of Sarpanch Sardar Gurdhyan Singh of village Kalsana (Nabha, Punjab), regretting that the latter was stopped from attending the Independence Day event despite his valid official invitation (Letter No. 499 issued by the Government of India).

On Monday, R.P. Singh, a former Delhi MLA, met Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range), Delhi, to submit a formal representation against ACP Shashi Kant Gaur, who allegedly stopped the village headman from Punjab from proceeding towards the seating area.

In his representation, R.P. Singh highlighted that the Sarpanch was denied entry solely because he was carrying the Sri Sahib (Kirpan), a sacred article of Sikh faith inseparable from Sikh identity and constitutionally protected under Article 25.

He said this was a violation of constitutional rights, as upheld by the Supreme Court in Balwant Singh versus State of Rajasthan (2006), and amounted to both an insult to the Sikh community and an act of dereliction of duty, bringing disrepute to Delhi Police.

During the meeting, Joint CP Madhur Verma spoke to Sarpanch Gurdhyan Singh in a video call and expressed regret over the incident. Verma confirmed that an enquiry will be conducted in this episode. He also invited the Sarpanch for a personal meeting, reaffirming goodwill and respect.

After the meeting with the Joint CP, R.P. Singh welcomed the gesture by the Delhi Police leadership while stressing that strict instructions must be issued to prevent recurrence of such a lapse infringing the constitutional and religious rights of the Sikh community.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While security is important, we must respect our constitutional rights. The Supreme Court has already ruled on this matter. Hope the enquiry brings justice to Sardar Gurdhyan Singh.
A
Aman W
As a Hindu, I fully support Sikh brothers' right to carry kirpan. It's not a weapon but a sacred article of faith. Delhi Police should apologize properly and conduct sensitivity training.
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Sarah B
I'm glad the issue is being addressed respectfully. The Joint CP's video call was a good gesture. India's diversity is its strength - we must protect all religious rights equally.
K
Karan T
The security personnel were just doing their job, but they need better training. We can't have such incidents happening at national events. Good initiative by R.P. Singh ji!
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Nisha Z
This shows how much awareness we still need about different cultures in our own country. The kirpan issue comes up repeatedly - time for permanent solution through education and policy.

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