Chandigarh
1 September 2023
DIVYA AZAD
The legal team of UNITED SIKHS has sent a legal notice to the makers of Bollywood film Yaarian-2 and its production house T-Series for a seemingly deliberate attempt to make a mockery of Kirpan – a sacred article of faith for Sikhs. Kirpan is one of the Five Kakaar’s mandatory for initiated Sikhs.
Actor Meezaan Jafri is shown wearing a Kirpan (article of faith) with a Gatra (worn across the body over the shoulder to carry Kirpan). As per the Rehat Maryada (Conduct), a Kirpan is worn by a practicing Sikh who has taken Khande-Ki-Pahul or is practicing to become a Sikh by keeping their Kesh (hair) in a turban.
The scenes in the film reflect clear violation of the Sikh tenets and has deeply hurt the Sikh sentiments of the Sikhs across the globe.Wearing Kirpaan without following the Sikh rules is a mockery of the Sikh faith and an attack on their values and traditions.
According to Article 25(2) wearing kirpan in this manner is also a violation of the Constitution of India, wearing and carrying Kirpan is deemed “to be included in the profession of Sikh religion.”
UNITED SIKHS legal team has sent a letter to the producer and director to “remove all scenes in the movie “Yaariyan 2” in which the actor is shown wearing Kirpan, and desist from making movies demeaning and insulting the Sikh Faith and the Panj Kakaars.”
In addition, the letter also demanded that the filmmakers tender an apology to Shri Akal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar.
Speaking about it UNITED SIKHS Director Ranjit Singh said, “It is highly unfortunate that Kirpan which is sacrosanct to Sikhs has been shown in such frivolous manner in the film. It is a shocking violation of the Sikh maryada. It seems to be a deliberate attempt to mock, demean and insult our sacred traditions. Sikhs demand that the filmmakers apologize for this disgraceful act, and make the necessary changes as recommended by the legal team.“
