A Sikh boy, Sahib Singh Bains, in a school in Canada has been allowed to wear Kirpan, one of the five articles of the Sikh faith, after the World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSOC) convinced School authorities in Edmonton citing a decision of the Supreme Court of Canada that mentioned the significance of the Kirpan in the life of Sikh.

Speaking to a leading newspaper on Friday, WSOC legal counsel Balpreet Singh informed that he wouldn’t be permitted in the class with the kirpan, which was considered as a weapon by the school authorities.

By asserting that Bains is a baptized Sikh and wore all articles of faith, Balpreet said, “School principal told Bains that kirpan is a restricted weapon and he will have to turn it over to him immediately.”

Balpreet was also told that since he carries a weapon with him he might be expelled from the school, if he found wearing it during school hours, added Balpreet.

When the matter was contacted with the WSOC, its legal team sent a detailed letter to the school board highlighting the right of Canadian Sikhs to wear the kirpan.

The meeting between Sahib, his family and the school’s principal was arranged, in which a representative of a WSOC was also present.

Balpreet said, “The principal expressed regret at not having been aware of the significance of the kirpan or the legal duty to accommodate Sikh students and asked for forgiveness for the inconvenience caused by their actions.”

By Prajakt K.