Is turban mandatory for Sikhs or just covering head will do, asks SC

NEW DELHI: Is wearing a turban integral to Sikh religion, asked the Supreme Court on Friday after a Delhi-based cyclist, Jagdeep Singh Puri, challenged a local cycling association’s rules that required him to wear a helmet to participate in championships.

Puri, 50, moved the petition with the plea that he cannot wear a helmet because it’s mandatory for him to wear a turban as per the Sikh religion.

A bench of justices SA Bodbe and LN Rao wondered whether wearing a turban was necessary under the religion or just covering one’s head was. “We have sympathy for the cause. But have you showed us anything that makes it mandatory under Sikh religion to wear a turban only? For example Bishan Singh Bedi played cricket while simply covering his head. He never wore a turban. And what do soldiers do in battles? Don’t they wear helmets? You basically need to define what a turban is?” the bench told Puri’s counsel RS Suri.

The lawyer told the bench that the Central Motor Vehicle Act grants exemption to Sikhs from wearing helmet while driving a two-wheeler. In several foreign countries such as the UK and the US, members of other communities, including Sikhs, have been permitted to wear turbans while playing sports in keeping with their religious beliefs.

But the bench gave example of Milkha Singh. “Great sportspersons never wore a turban. It seems to us that wearing a turban is not mandatory but covering your head is,” the bench said.

Also, justice Bobde said there was no harm in wearing a helmet if it was for one’s safety. “Why don’t you wear it? Why do you want to risk your head? Here you are undertaking a cycling competition. You can smash your head and then you will allege against the organisers for not following safety standards,” the judge said.

Fixing April 23 to hear Puri’s petition again, the bench asked Suri to get an authority on turban wearing.

“Do not tell us some guru has said it. We want to know whether it’s essential part of your practise.” The court also asked senior advocate CU Singh to assist in the matter. “Also, inform us how to Sikhs fight battles.”

Puri, a graphic designer, moved the SC after he was disqualified from the Azad Hind Brevet (long distance cycling) organised by Audax India Randonneurs (AIR), a private body, after he refused to wear a helmet since he was sporting a turban. He complained that the rule violated his fundamental right to practice and profess one’s own religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. He started cycling for fitness and better health, but soon started participating in cycling events.

In August 2017, during Independence Day celebrations, the petitioner claimed to have done a solo ride of 510km from Delhi to India-pakistan Border (Dera Baba Nanak) as a mark of tribute to Indian soldiers.

THE SC BENCH GAVE EXAMPLE OF MILKHA SINGH AND BISHAN SINGH BEDI WHO NEVER WORE A TURBAN WHILE PLAYING