HC notice to Centre on French Turban issue

Chandigarh, Feb 19 (UNI) The Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued a notice for April 30 to the centre on a plea in connection with the French government decision to place restriction on the wearing of the turban by Sikh students in schools.

A Division Bench of the Chief Justice Vijendra Jain and Justice Rajive Bhalla issued the notice on an application filed by Singh Legal Foundation through its chief M S Rahi seeking directions to the respondent to file a proper reply to the writ petition wherein the issue of turban has been raised.

The Singh Legal Foundation has sought directions to the Union government to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens in India and in foreign countries in the context of the turban issue in France.

Dr Rahi maintained that the restrictions placed on Sikh students in French schools was violation of the fundamental rights of the people as the wearing the turban was an essential part of the Sikh religion and no authority could infringe the same.

UNI