Is turban integral to Sikh religion, 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 a competition.

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. They referred to sportspersons from the Sikh community who didn’t wear turbans while participating in games.