Do not place the kirpan on trial for the Crime of One Man (Quote from Sikh scholar Gurjit Singh Sandhu*)

Spontaneous Panthic Condolences to Nowak family continue to be expressed. A Statement from the highest Sikh Institution, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, has been issued. Sikh condemnation of the Grave Offence by a misguided Young Sikh is unreserved. Perhaps, it is time for British Sikhs to push back a bit against exploitation of the issue by some politicians and in the social media.

They need reminding that Sikhs have been staunch allies of Britain over the last two hundred years. During the Indian Mutiny (1857), which lacked any national aim, many Sikh soldiers and princely states actively helped to protect and rescue British families, officers, and civilians. Thousands of Amritdhari Kirpan-wearing Sikhs gave their lives in the two World Wars for Britain and the free world.

Those who have chosen to make UK their home, have been law abiding, net contributing loyal British Citizens. For crimes against them, British Sikhs blame only misguided elements and not whole communities. In September and October 2025 there was widespread outrage and call for justice following horrific, racially and religiously aggravated sexual assaults against two Sikh women.

British Sikhs and Jathedar Akal Takhat Sahib have expressed deepest condolences to the family of Henry Nowak. They have fully accepted the verdict and sentence delivered by the court. The misguided young Sikh responsible has been convicted and sentenced under United Kingdom law. Sikh community respects the rule of law and believes that justice must apply equally to all.

Two informative, slightly edited, quotes are relevant:

Prominent UK Sikh, Sukhwinder Singh Padda clarified the legal position: Within UK legislation linked to the most recent Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (previous acts amended) it is a defence for a Sikh to carry a Kirpan for religious reasons (only Amritdhar Sikhs). There is no stipulation on Size. Thus, if an Amritdhari Sikh is stopped he can quote the law that says it is a defence. However, if the Kirpan is used it becomes a weapon and it is up to the person to defend themselves. However, institutions and organisations can reduce size of kirpan allowed, like courts, schools etc. Normally around 6 cm. This right in law was a landmark fought for by campaigning and lobbying by British Sikhs. There will always be people opposed to this legislation and cases like the current one in U.K. does not help. However, we should be cautious but not alarmed as legislation cannot be changed overnight and we have enough social and political capital to keep the legislation intact.

Sikh scholar Gurjit Singh*: It is important that this case is discussed with accuracy, responsibility, and fairness. The criminal actions of one individual must not be used to blame, target, or stigmatise the wider Sikh community. Sikhs have lived peacefully in the United Kingdom for generations and have made positive contributions across public life, business, charity, education, and community service&hellip.Britain has a real knife-crime wound. But that wound is not the kirpan&hellip..the pressure comes most sharply from Reform-linked voices, but it is simply not the case that every party is promising a ban. The Home Secretary herself warned the Commons against letting this murder turn communities against one another. We should answer seriously, not from fear, and not by surrendering what was given to us.

We thank Sardars Sukhvinder Singh Padda and Gurjit Singh Sandhu for their timely guidance.

*Gurjit Singh Sandhu, founder of PanthSeva (panthseva.com).

Gurmukh Singh OBE

E-mail: sewauk2005@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Gurmukh_Singh_OBE