CHANDIGARH – August 21, 2025
Following initial reporting by Voices for Freedom, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has formally escalated the case of Gurpreet Kaur, a Sikh student allegedly barred from sitting for a civil judge examination in Jaipur due to her religious article of faith, the kirpan.
The incident, which took place last month, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed debate over the treatment of religious minorities in public institutions. SAD leaders have now appealed directly to the President of India, urging immediate intervention and the establishment of a unified national policy to prevent such exclusions in the future.
Senior SAD officials, including Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, have condemned the incident as a clear violation of constitutional protections. In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, they called the denial of entry “an unacceptable act of discrimination” and demanded the creation of nationwide guidelines that safeguard the rights of Sikhs to wear their articles of faith in all public and official settings.
The party emphasized that religious freedom is enshrined in the Indian Constitution and has been repeatedly upheld by the Supreme Court. SAD leaders warned that failure to act decisively risks undermining public trust and perpetuating systemic intolerance.
SAD has also pledged full support to Gurpreet Kaur and her family. Representatives met with the student to commend her courage and are actively pursuing avenues for her to be granted a special opportunity to take the examination she was denied.
This renewed push by SAD follows Voices for Freedom’s earlier coverage, amplifying national attention to the incident and called on authorities to uphold the rights of Sikh citizens. The party’s intervention underscores growing concern over religious discrimination and the urgent need for policy reform to ensure equal access and dignity for all.
