Kirpan In Airports: Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Challenging BCAS's Decision

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a petition challenging the permission granted to Sikhs employed in the aviation sector to carry kirpan in person within the airport premises.

A Bench of Justice S A Nazeer and Justice J K Maheshwari asked the Petitioner, Hindu Sena to approach the High Court.

Advocate Nitin Singh appearing for the Petitioner then withdrew the petition.

"Learned counsel for the petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the petition with liberty to approach the High Court. Permission is granted. The Writ Petition is accordingly dismissed as withdrawn with liberty as prayed", the Order said.

The Court was hearing a plea filed by Hindu Sena challenging the decision of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to allow Sikh employees in the aviation sector to carry kirpan in person within the airport premises.

Aviation security regulator BCAS had permitted Sikh aviation sector employees to carry kirpan in person within the airport premises.

The BCAS order on March 4, banning Sikh aviation sector employees from carrying kirpan in person within any Indian airport premises, was criticised by leading Sikh body Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Subsequently, on March 12, the BCAS removed the ban.

Cause Title: Hindu Sena v. Union of India & Ors.

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