NEW DELHI: Delhi-based Sikh cyclist Jagdeep Singh Puri has filed a plea with the Supreme Court after being allegedly disqualified from Azad Hind Brevet, a long distance cycling event organized by Audax India Randonneurs, since he refused to wear a helmet as prescribed in the rules.
Senior advocate RS Suri, who opted to represent Puri, told the court that the event represented a direct violation of Sikh religion and rights as per Article 25 of the Constitution and sporting a turban is an integral part of the community’s beliefs.
“The petitioner tried to put forward the enlightened view on the significance of the turban to a Sikh; it fell on deaf ears.
“However, despite being utterly discriminated against, the petitioner still decided to join the ride unofficially, in the spirit of sportsmanship, even if discriminated by the organisers. The petitioner completed the entire event at his own risk without any support from the organisers,” stated the plea.
Suri pointed out that as a matter of fact, the Motor Vehicles Act allows Sikhs to not wear a helmet when driving a two-wheeler vehicle. While in countries such as the UK and US, Sikhs aren’t forced to wear headgear while playing sports, keeping their religious sentiments in mind.
As a result, the complainant pleaded the Supreme Court to issue direction to the Central government “to enact a law regarding protection of fundamental rights of the persons belonging to the turbaned Sikh community who participate in such social or sports events”.
Someone should really ask said aggrieved Sikh cyclist to study the case of India cricketer Harbajhan Singh, who wears a helmet as protection when facing fast or medium paced bowling for protection from head injuries without compromising on his religious beliefs.
