ROME, Italy—A Sikh youth in Italy has been fined €23,000, which approximates ₹1.95 million, by a court here for not removing his kirpan.
Manpreet Singh is highly disappointed with the court’s decision and the offense to Sikhs. He gave Ajit Jalandhar correspondents a copy of the court’s decision wherein the young resident, Manpreet Singh, from Village Tanda (Hoshiarpur), now residing in Italy at Vicentino, Province Vicenza, said that almost a year ago, on February 2 , 2013 while working in the Italian city of Tarvisio, he had been the victim of a road accident. At that time, he was admitted in the hospital of Tarvisio for treatment, where a team of young doctors asked Manpreet Singh to remove his kirpan.
Manpreet Singh explained to the doctors the importance of the kirpan and the reason he cannot remove it. On Manpreet Singh’s refusal, doctors informed the police, wherein he was accused of wearing an 18 centimeters long Sri Sahib—more than what is allowed—and considering it a crime to keep weapons, registered a case under the Italian Constitution Act 4, section 110.
Manpreet Singh’s lawyer, Baso Jasepe continued defending the case, but on January 22, 2014, through his lawyer he received a notice from the court of Tarvisio, according to which the court fined him €23,000.
In the case the fine is not paid, a three month prison sentence will be awarded. Although against this decision, the defendant, Manpreet Singh’s expert lawyer Agrona has begun the legal process, but with this decision by the court the sentiments of the Sikh community have been hurt.
A few months ago, the government of Italy had dismissed a case regarding the registration of Sikhism officially. The main motive behind this case was to allow Sikhs to wear the kirpan at public places.
