Indian Court refuses to hear turban case

Brunei News.Net
Tuesday 13th May, 2008

The Indian Supreme Court has refused to hear a lawsuit protesting against a controversial French law that prevents Sikhs in that country from wearing turbans or other religious symbols in public places.

The bench dismissed the petition, pointing out that the court has no jurisdiction over foreign territory.

The judges also said that the government has already taken up the issue with the French authorities through the diplomatic channels.

A lawsuit, filed by a Sikh organisation, Singh Legal Foundation, sought the court's direction to the central government to ensure protection of Indian citizens' Fundamental Rights in France.

The foundation contended that the French law preventing Sikhs from wearing turbans in France violated Indian Sikhs' Fundamental Right to religion and it was the duty of the government to protect that right abroad.

The bench, however, said any grievance against the French law can be raised only in the courts of that country.

The court also suggested that the foundation takes up the matter with the International Court of Justice or the European Union Court.

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