Ban on Sikh bangle was discrimination

Published on Tuesday 29 July 2008 19:43

A SIKH teenager excluded from school for breaking a "no jewellery" rule by refusing to remove a wrist bangle which is central to her faith was a victim of unlawful discrimination, a judge ruled yesterday.

As a result of the judgment in the High Court, Sarika Watkins-Singh, 14, will be returning to Aberdare Girls' School in South Wales in September – wearing the Kara, a slim steel bracelet.

Her lawyers had told Mr Justice Silber that the Kara was as important to her as it was to England spin bowler Monty Panesar, who has been pictured wearing one of the bangles.

Sarika, of mixed Welsh and Punjabi origin, of Cwmbach, near Aberdare, was at first taught in isolation and eventually excluded for refusing to take off the bangle in defiance of the school's policy, which prohibits the wearing of any jewellery other than a wristwatch and plain ear studs.

After the judgment, Sarika's mother, Sinita, 38, said: "We are over the moon. It is just such a relief."

The governors and head teacher at the school said the decision to defend their action was taken after careful consideration by all concerned, and in good faith.