Sikh who has cut hair carrying kirpan
Arvind
(Querist) 20 March 2017
This query is : Resolved
Sir
I am given to understand that any person following the Sikh religion can carry a kirpan or sword as per their religious beliefs.
However when a sikh by birth cuts his hair short then can he or she carry a kirpan or sword as per law.
Please clarify.
Arvind
Guest
(Expert) 20 March 2017
Discuss your own problem, not any academic query. Also, any specific purpose for asking this question?
Kumar Doab
(Expert) 20 March 2017
By limited understanding:
It is for baptized Sikhs.
You may ask the priests of Sikh Religion.
Adv. Yogen Kakade
(Expert) 21 March 2017
You shall discuss this with your religious gurus.
Arvind
(Querist) 21 March 2017
Firstly it is not any academic query secondly there is a problem as a man who has cut hair in my organisation carries a small kirapn and claims he is a sikh by religion giving him the right to carry it.
The organisation want to restrict this practice but not based on religion but legally.
So yes that is the problem. Also as I am not a sikh.
Hope you can guide me now.
Adv. Yogen Kakade
(Expert) 22 March 2017
Do you want to know the rules under Arms Act?
Actually Kirpan is a holy weapon to be carried as a weapon of defense and not for offence.
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution deems the carrying of ‘kirpan’ to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion.
It is worn by all initiated Sikhs (Khalsa), after a mandatory religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Carrying kirpan and having uncut hairs are the basic symbols of Khalsa.
As per my knowledge kirpan is a holy symbol, but to know more you can visit nearest Gurudwara and talk to the experts.
Kumar Doab
(Expert) 22 March 2017
Thanks for agreeing Ushaji.
Kumar Doab
(Expert) 22 March 2017
Dear LCI Author @ Arvind,
Remind me after 3 days.
I shall provide you with some links.
Right now I an busy these days.
Rajendra K Goyal
(Expert) 24 March 2017
Please refer the matter to Religious Scholar to know the view on this issue.
Kumar Doab
(Expert) 24 March 2017
During the baptism ceremony the initiate is instructed in the duties and obligations of becoming a Khalsa (one belonging to the Divine). The Khalsa is expected to live by the high moral standards of the Sikh Gurus at all times which includes such things as abstaining from smoking, drinking and other intoxicants, performing daily prayers and always maintaining the distinctive physical symbols of Sikhism on their person.
The most noticeable of these being uncut hair and carrying the Kirpan.
This injunction appears in the Rehat Maryada (The Official Sikh Code of Conduct); "Have, on your person, all the time, the five K's: The Keshas (unshorn hair), the Kirpan (sheathed sword), the Kachhehra (drawers like garment), the Kanga (comb), the Karha (steel bracelet)." (Rehat Maryada, Ceremony of Baptism or Initiation, Section 6, Chapter XIII, Article XXIV, paragraph (p))
Kumar Doab
(Expert) 24 March 2017
You have posted that:
"I am given to understand that any person following the Sikh religion can carry a kirpan or sword as per their religious beliefs.
However when a sikh by birth cuts his hair short then can he or she carry a kirpan or sword as per law."
You may check with Managing Committee of nearest Gurudwara and Sikh Priests and Scholars..
