BCAS allows Sikhs to carry Kirpans

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security issued an order allowing Sikhs to carry 'kirpan' of specific length and also a specified measure of blade on flights and airports.

“Sikh passengers are permitted to carry a religious Kirpan on their person on domestic flights only. The size of the Kirpan should not exceed 9” in length (6” blade + 3” handle)”, the order read.

The order came after a Sikh employee wearing a ‘kirpan’ was stopped from performing duty at the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar on Thursday last week.

The ban has now stirred a row of controversy and the Sikhs have termed it as an infringement of their religious right.