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“Although the kirpan is legally permitted as an exemption, the on-duty officer was unaware of this. I had to present an exemption card before I was allowed to proceed,” recounted Harkirat Singh.
Singh shared his experience with SBS Punjabi, highlighting a broader issue: “Historically, individuals who appear different are more likely to be targeted by police scrutiny,” he noted.
Singh described how many Sikhs who carry the kirpan face similar challenges. Often, they are asked to remove the ceremonial dagger when entering buildings or while in public spaces.
For Sikhs who have taken the Amrit initiation, the kirpan is not just a symbol but an essential religious requirement; removing it goes against their religious duties.
The GCV told SBS Punjabi it regularly receives distressed calls from kirpan-wearing community members who’ve had unfortunate encounters with authorities, despite a legal exemption that permits them to carry it in public.
“We receive at least two calls in a month on our helpline from ‘amritdhari’ (initiated) Sikhs who have had an unfortunate encounter due to their kirpan,” Singh said.
‘We need to educate people’
Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) warned the powers would infringe on civil liberties and the freedoms of people visiting the city, with IMCL CEO Nadia Morales describing them as “complete overkill”.
Until 29 May 2026, anyone inside the designated Melbourne CBD area can be searched by police officers and protective service officers. Anything in a person’s possession or control, including vehicles, can also be searched. Source: Supplied / Victoria Police
Fearing that the new police powers could make Sikhs feel uncomfortable travelling to the Melbourne CBD, the community is calling for campaigns to increase awareness about the kirpan.
“While members of the Sikh and broader community may be stopped and searched at any time in Melbourne until the end of May, police are well trained to identify if an article is being used for religious purposes.”
The kirpan is one of the five articles of faith worn by Sikhs. Others include ‘kanga’, a small wooden comb; ‘kara’, an iron bangle; ‘kesh’, or uncut hair; and ‘kachhera’, cotton underwear. Source: Wikimedia Commons / Hari Singh
Data obtained by the Racial Profiling Data Monitoring Project through Freedom of Information requests shows certain communities are disproportionately subject to stop-and-search measures by police.
