State - July 28, 2025

Sikh female student barred from examination over Kirpan – SGPC slams ‘religious bias’ in Rajasthan.

team maverick July 28, 2025

0 3 min read

A Sikh student from Tarn Taran district in Punjab was allegedly denied entry into the PCS-J (Judicial Services) exam centre in Rajasthan’s Jaipur for refusing to remove her ‘’Kakaar’’ (religious articles), including the “Kirpan” and “Kara”, sparking outrage amongst the Sikh bodies and political leaders today.

The incident took place at Poornima University, sources said. Gurpreet Kaur, the student, claimed that security personnel asked her to take off the religious symbols before entering. When she refused, citing religious beliefs, she was barred from writing in the examination. She recorded videos from the scene and sent them to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Calling the act, a violation of religious freedom, SGPC member Gurcharan Singh Grewal condemned the incident, terming it a “direct insult” to Sikh identity. He demanded action against those responsible, questioning why a Sikh student can’t wear ‘Kakar’ in an exam hall when Sikh judges and lawyers are allowed to do so in courtrooms.

Political leaders from Punjab have also urged the Rajasthan Chief Minister to intervene and take strict action. As of now, the Rajasthan Public Service Commission and exam authorities have not released any statement.

For Sikh women, the five Kakaars are particularly significant, representing their commitment to the Sikh faith and are worn by both men and women.

The five Kakaars are:

Kesh: Uncut hair, often covered by a turban for women.
Kangha: A wooden comb for the hair.
Kara: A steel or iron bracelet.
Kachera: A specific type of cotton underwear.
Kirpan: A ceremonial dagger.

These items are not just symbols but are considered articles of faith and are worn by Sikhs as a visible reminder of their commitment to Sikh principles. Sikh women, like men, are expected to wear these articles, with the turban being a common way for women to express their Sikh identity and maintain equality within the faith.

Team Maverick