The Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, has strongly censured Air India over the alleged discriminatory treatment of two Sikh advocates, Jeevan Singh and Neena Singh, at the New Delhi airport. The incident has hurt the sentiments of Sikhs across India and the globe. The officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, stated that the email apology issued by Air India is inadequate and that only public disclosure of disciplinary measures taken against the staff involved will restore trust.
The incident has raised concerns over recurring affronts to Sikh identity across the country. Jathedar Gargaj noted that it is ironic that while the country is commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, who sacrificed his life for religious freedom, Sikhs in independent India are still facing humiliation. He demanded that Air India make the details of its inquiry into the incident public and clarify what disciplinary action has been taken against the staff involved.
The jathedar also highlighted a worrying trend of increasing incidents targeting Sikh Kakaars (articles of faith) and Sikh identity across the country. He cited several recent examples, including the Rajasthan judicial exam case, where an Amritdhari Sikh female candidate was allegedly prevented from sitting for a competitive examination due to her articles of faith. He also mentioned incidents where schoolchildren and candidates have been forced to remove their karras (iron bracelets).
Jathedar Gargaj took aim at the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security for its refusal to withdraw a circular that prohibits Amritdhari members of staff from carrying kirpans at airports. He argued that this circular is a clear violation of the constitutional rights of Sikhs, as the Constitution allows Sikhs to wear the kirpan. He concluded that the persistent actions demonstrate that governments are not taking issues related to Sikh identity and articles of faith seriously.
The Akal Takht’s strong censure of Air India and the demand for transparency and action reflect the growing concerns over the erosion of Sikh identity and the need for governments and institutions to take these issues seriously. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the need for greater understanding and respect for Sikh articles of faith and the importance of protecting the constitutional rights of Sikhs.