CHANDIGARH, Punjab (July 26, 2015)—On instructions of the Central Board of Security Education (CBSE), candidates for the All India Pre-Medical Test were not allowed to partake in the examination wearing religious articles. Along with Sikh candidates, those from other religious backgrounds were also denied entrance to the exam because of their religious articles.
Supreme Court justice H L Dattu who is nutritious for his statements aimed at different religions courted controversy when he advised Muslim women to not wear hijab during examination. “On a day when you have to sit for an exam, you are being asked not to wear it. Your faith won’t disappear if you appear for the exam without a scarf.” Religious Christian students also had to face harassment.
No relaxation was also given to Sikh candidates for wearing Kara which is a mandatory article of faith. The authorities were firm and no accessories were allowed either despite Sikh parents arguing and citing religious reasons. Candidates were checked by metal detectors thrice at all centres.
In Bathinda, Punjab, amritdhari (initiated Sikh) students had a tough time convincing the authorities to allow them to enter the examination centre with kirpans (a short knife that is a Sikh article of faith) and kara.
Unconfirmed reports said two other candidates refused to enter the examination hall without their kirpan and kara. Parents joined the argument with the staff and finally an invigilator checked the kirpans and allowed the two to enter.