Sikhism in the Workplace: The Kirpan (Ceremonial Dagger)

What is a Kirpan?

The Kirpan is a ceremonial sword or dagger carried by initiated (Amritdhari) Sikhs. It is one of the “Five Ks” – articles of faith that must be worn at all times.

It is not a weapon. It represents the duty to protect the weak and uphold justice.

Is it Legal in the UK?

Yes. Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, it is illegal to carry a bladed article in public, BUT there is a specific defence for carrying it for “religious reasons”.

Therefore, a Sikh employee walking to work or sitting at their desk with a Kirpan is not breaking the law.

Workplace Security & Anxiety

Colleagues or security teams might be alarmed if they spot a “knife”.

1. Education: HR and Security must be aware of what a Kirpan is so they don’t incorrectly accuse a Sikh employee of misconduct.
2. Size & Style: Kirpans vary. Many worn under clothes are small (3-6 inches) and dull. Some wear symbolic miniature ones embedded in a comb.

Reasonable Restrictions

While the general law allows it, specific high-security workplaces may have different rules:

• Airports/Prisons: Strict “no blade” policies usually override the right to wear the Kirpan openly.
• Compromises:
  • Wearing a smaller, sealed Kirpan that cannot be unsheathed.
  • Wearing a symbolic cloth version.
  • Securing the sheath so it cannot be drawn.

Case Study

If a Sikh employee works in a generic office, banning the Kirpan “just in case” is likely discrimination. There is no evidence that Sikh employees are a violence risk.

If they work in a psychiatric ward or a prison, a risk assessment is valid, and asking them to remove it or secure it tightly is a reasonable adjustment for safety.