New Delhi, Aug 18 – A controversy has erupted after a Punjab sarpanch was denied entry to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day event at the Red Fort for carrying a kirpan, a sacred article of Sikh faith. The incident has drawn strong criticism from Sikh BJP leader and national spokesperson R.P. Singh, who termed it a “violation of constitutional rights.”
The sarpanch, Sardar Gurdhyan Singh of Kalsana village in Nabha, Punjab, had received a valid invitation (Letter No. 499 issued by the Government of India) to attend the August 15 event. However, he was allegedly stopped by ACP Shashi Kant Gaur at the venue gate and not allowed to proceed to the seating area.
On Monday, R.P. Singh, a former Delhi MLA, met Madhur Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range), Delhi, and lodged a formal representation against the officer concerned. He argued that the denial was unjustified as the kirpan, also known as Sri Sahib, is inseparable from Sikh identity and constitutionally protected under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
“This is not only a violation of constitutional rights but also an insult to the Sikh community. The Supreme Court, in Balwant Singh vs State of Rajasthan (2006), upheld the right to carry the kirpan. Such an act brings disrepute to Delhi Police,” Singh said.
During the meeting, Joint CP Verma spoke directly with Sarpanch Gurdhyan Singh via video call and expressed regret over the incident. He assured that an enquiry would be initiated and invited the sarpanch for a personal meeting to reaffirm goodwill.
While welcoming the conciliatory gesture, R.P. Singh stressed the need for strict instructions to prevent recurrence of such lapses that infringe on the religious and constitutional rights of the Sikh community.
