A recent incident at Delhi Metro stations has sparked outrage, where Amritdhari Sikhs were reportedly stopped by security personnel for carrying kirpans, a vital article of their faith. The kirpan is one of the five mandatory Kakar worn by baptized Sikhs and is legally protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the freedom to practice religion.
Sikh leaders have strongly condemned the incident, calling it an act of religious discrimination. They expressed disappointment over the lack of awareness among security officials regarding the religious and legal significance of the kirpan.
Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal took to her X handle and shared the video. Sharing the video, Harsimrat also asked Union Home Ministry to direct to direct security agencies not to discriminate against Sikhs.
"Scenes of Amritdhari Sikhs being denied entry to use the Delhi Metro simply because they are wearing their articles of faith, including the ‘kirpan’, is condemnable. It is incomprehensible that police personnel on the spot do not know that the ‘kirpan’ is an integral part of the ‘pehrawa’ of baptised Sikhs. I urge the union home ministry to immediately direct security agencies not to discriminate against Sikhs in this manner,' wrote Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
The incident has led to calls for better sensitization and training of security personnel to respect religious practices while maintaining security protocols. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has not yet issued an official statement but is expected to review the matter. The Sikh community hopes for swift action to ensure such incidents do not recur.