‘NEET exam controversy’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 24: Sikh Progressive Front (SPF), president and vice president of the District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (DGPC) Jammu, Balvinder Singh; Surjit Singh, secretary of DGPC, Tejinder Singh and Harjit Singh- Members DGPC Jammu and others expressed serious concern over the recent violation of Sikh students’ religious rights during the NEET 2024 examination.
They said despite clear instructions on the NEET website permitting Sikh candidates to wear their traditional Kirpan and Kada, several students in Jammu district were compelled to remove these sacred items on May 5, 2024.
Highlighting an incident at KV Miran Sahib, Balvinder Singh said the NTA staff member insisted that a female Sikh student remove her Kada. Despite the student explaining the religious significance of the Kada and its legal protection, she was denied entry. The staff’s insistence led to the student being taken to the school office where, in a distressing turn of events, a male staff member used a punching machine to forcibly cut off her Kada, delaying her entry into the examination center by half an hour.
“This is clear violation of Article 25(1) of the Constitution of India, which unequivocally recognizes the right to wear Sikh religious symbols,” he stated.
He referenced the Delhi High Court ruling in W.P (C) DSGMC and ORS vs. Union of India and Ors which affirms that wearing the Kada and carrying the kirpan are essential practices of the Sikh religion.
He praised SP South Ajay Kumar for his prompt response to the incident. Kumar immediately instructed the concerned SHO at Satwari to register an FIR, ensuring that those responsible for this violation are held accountable under Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
These Sikh leaders called upon the Police Department to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the guilty face appropriate legal action. They further demanded immediate directives to prevent such violations in the future.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
