Kirpan Law in India (Domestic flights)

BUREAU OF CIVIL AVIATION SECURITY (MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION) GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

A WING, JANPATH BHAWAN, JANPATH, NEW DELHI -11001

No. CAS-7(8)84-DIV-1 Dated: 31.10.2002

CIRCULAR NO. 34 / 2002

It has been brought to notice of this Bureau that instrucions pertaining to carriage of Kirpan by Sikh passangers of domestic flights are not properly implemented resulting in inconvenicence to the Sikh passengers. In view of the above it is further clarified that as per instructions in force issued vide Circular No. 9/56/74-IR dated 7.10.1983 (annexure-I) which were reiterated vide Circular no.8/99 dated 28.4.99 (annexure-II) Sikh passengers are allowed to carry Kirpan with them on board domestic flights. The total length of the 'Kirpan' should not exceed 22.86 CMs (9 inches) and the length of the blade should not exceed 15.24 CMs. (6 inches). It is being reiterated that these instructions should be fully implemented by concerned security personnel so that religious sentiments of the Sikh passengers are not hurt.

(R.K. Singh) Addl. Commissioner of Secuity (CA) Distribution as per list attached.

Distribution as per list attached.

N.O.O. copy for information to :- 1. MCA (Smt. Sarada Ali Khan, Dy. Secretary), RG Bhawan, New Delhi. 2. Shri Tarlochan Singh, Vice Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi, w.r.t. his DO No. VC/2(6)2002 NCM dated 21.10.2002.