I got asked today what my opinion was regarding a quote taken from Sir Mota Singh QC.

Sir Singh, a Sikh high judge, feels that children of the Sikh faith should be allowed to take a Kirpan (religious dagger) into schools or public places without fear of arrest.

My first thought was not about the holy dagger situation, but that I realised I’d become something of a ‘we’ll ask Kev because he’s half darkie and it won’t be racist’ soundboard; especially in Indian matters.

To be honest; It just seems rather stupid?

However, for the sake of discussion I pondered the issue a little more and began to consider the argument ‘against’ more than ‘for’.

The Constitution of the United States of America gives Americans the right to carry firearms; by the same standards, surely Sir Singh would allow Billy Bob Triggerfinger to carry his six shooter around London Zoo?

What about Jim McTight of the clan Mcdonald; should he be allowed to browse the paint section of B&Q whilst carrying a dirk to complete his traditional attire of kilt and sporran?

As with most things, I googled it. It turns out that many Sikhs do not carry the Kirpan in India; those that do are certainly not allowed them onto planes.

Bearing that in mind; is Sir Singh just being a bit of an awkward sod?

Possibly….

I distinctly remember an occasion where a Sikh man was openly running down a street in Southall (London) brandishing a sword and chasing a Muslim. Made the local news and everything it did!

Religious sabre rattling always makes me nervous, purely because it evokes the immortal words from George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ in my head.

“Everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others”.