Above image: Gurpal Singh Virdi

Gurpal Singh Virdi faced religious discrimination on 20^th January 2026, when he was asked to accompany students and a teacher on a school trip to a company called Belazu, in Greenford. Mr Virdi is an author and a respected member of the British Sikh community. He has served as an elected official and as senior police officer and played a leading role in the Metropolitan Police Sikh Association.

During the school visit, Gurpal was refused entry because he was wearing his kara, an article of faith he always wears. The kara is a steel or iron bangle worn by Sikhs and is one of the 5Ks, the recognised symbols of Sikh identity and practice.

The law is clear when it protects the right of Sikhs to wear the kara. On the facts as described, the refusal of entry appears to amount to discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. In R (Watkins-Singh) v Aberdare Girls’ High School [2008] EWHC 1865 (Admin), the High Court held that refusing a Sikh pupil permission to wear her kara amounted to unlawful indirect discrimination on grounds of race and religion. The freedom of Sikhs and people of other faiths to manifest their religion, is a right protected by Article 9 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Our Director, Lord Singh of Wimbledon, wrote to the Minister for Women and Equalities, the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP raising concerns about the religious discrimination faced by Gurpal. The Minister for Equalities Satvir Kaur MP, responded to correspondence this week, writing:

‘I am sorry to hear of Mr Virdi’s experience where he was refused entry because he was wearing his kara. As a practicing Sikh, I know how important this item is. This Government is clear that we are a tolerant, open and diverse country and that everyone has the legal right to freedom of religion. This includes the right to wear religious attire except where limitations are prescribed by law for specific limited purposes. Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right which underpins many other rights. We are committed to protecting people’s legitimate rights to practice their religion within the law and recognise the importance of the Five Ks to Sikhs.’

Lord Singh, Director, Network of Sikh Organisations, said:

‘There is an existing legal precedent in case law when it comes to protection for the kara. We hope Gurpal’s matter is settled promptly with the school and company, and he deserves justice. The freedom of Sikhs and people of other faiths to manifest their religion is a right protected by Article 9 of the Human Rights Act 1998.’

Gurpal Singh Virdi, said:

‘This case goes to the heart of freedom to manifest faith, it is also everyone’s responsibility to protect and safeguard children when a matter is reported or unprofessional behaviour needs addressing, (as in my case) people within the school have been prioritising organisational reputation over legitimate concerns. Where the headteacher states that Sikh children can take their karas off, I found the remarks as concerning, problematic and inappropriate.’

---

Status of legal action

• 03/07/26 – Claim against Belazu issued by Gurpal Singh Virdi
• 21/07/26 – Belazu defence submitted
• 31/07/26 – Courts give mediation date – 17/09/26
• 17/09/26 – Mediation unsuccessful 

We wrote to Belazu requesting comment, however at the time of writing, we have had no response.

---

Contact: info@nsouk.co.uk for further information.

[ENDS]