Violation of Sikh Aspirant’s Fundamental Rights: Lalpura makes Urgent Appeal to Law Minister and Rajasthan Governor
Bahadurjeet Singh/royalpatiala.in News/ Rupnagar, July 27,2025
Dr. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities and Member of the BJP National Parliamentary Board, has written to the Law Minister of India, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and the Governor of Rajasthan, Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, raising serious concerns over a violation of fundamental religious rights under Article 25 of the Constitution.
The issue pertains to Lakhwinder Kaur, a female Sikh aspirant for Judicial Services, who was barred from wearing the Kirpan—a religious article of faith—during the Rajasthan Judicial Services Recruitment Examination held on 23rd June 2024 at Sumer Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Jodhpur. The restriction was reportedly imposed as per directives of the Rajasthan High Court’s Recruitment Cell.
In his letter, Dr. Lalpura strongly condemned the directive as a violation of Article 25(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely profess and practice one’s religion. He emphasized that the Kirpan is recognized as an essential religious symbol under Article 25(2)(b), and that the denial of the right to wear it during a public examination not only discriminates against Sikh candidates but also violates the principles of equality under Article 16.
He further urged the Ministry of Law and Justice, in coordination with the Rajasthan Government, to issue immediate guidelines to all judicial and administrative authorities across India, ensuring that devout Sikh candidates are not forced to compromise their faith in order to appear in public service examinations. Dr. Lalpura advocated for uniform security protocols that respect religious freedoms while maintaining exam integrity.
He has appealed to the Law Minister and the Governor of Rajasthan to intervene in the matter and direct the Rajasthan High Court Recruitment Cell to allow Sikh aspirants to wear the Kirpan after routine security checks, ensure the issuance of a nationwide directive protecting Sikh candidates’ rights in all future competitive examinations and recruitment processes.
“This incident sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the secular ethos of our Constitution,” said Dr. Lalpura. “No Sikh aspirant should ever be made to choose between their faith and their career aspirations”,he said by
