Sikhs permitted to wear 'patka' in police custody

Chandigarh, July 17 (UNI) The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to permit the Sikh accused to wear 'patka' in police custody of half a square meter in size.

The order came on a petition that those in police custody should be allowed to wear white turban as it was in the case of people in judicial custody.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Harjit Singh Bedi and Justice Ranjit Singh Randhawa, while disposing of the public interest litigation(PIL) by Sikh Students Federation(SSF), directed to allow Sikhs to wear turban while in police custody.

However, the police authorities had so far not agreed to it.

Punjab Additional Director General of Police (Crime) had sought comments from the district police chiefs about the plea.

The police officials had suggested that 'Patka' of half square meter size could be allowed for the Sikh accused in police lock up.

A copy of the letter was also submitted to the bench.

UNI XC DP YA HT2105