HSGMC wants Centre to intervene in SC query on turban

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, April 22

The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (ad hoc) has demanded the Centre to intervene in the matter where the Supreme Court has agreed to examine whether wearing turbans is an integral part of Sikhism.

HSGMC president Jagdish Singh Jhinda said here on Sunday the turban was an integral part of Sikhism and no controversy should be associated with it.

Jhinda said the Centre should promptly give relevant submission to the apex court.

"I will take up the matter the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi SGPC and other Sikh organisations to come together on the issue. Turban is an emotional issue for any devotes Sikh as it is an unchallenged religious symbol," Jhinda said.

He added that Delhi's cycling association could not force a Sikh cyclist to mandatorily wear a helmet.

A Delhi-based cycling enthusiast, Jagdeep Singh Puri had challenged the cycling association's rules that required him to wear a helmet to participate in a championship.

The SC reportedly on Friday wondered whether wearing a turban was necessary under the religion or just covering one's head was.