Sikh NY cab driver arrested for kirpan “discrimination”

An Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh was arrested outside the JFK airport in New York (USA) for his kirpan (small sword, part of Amritdhari uniform) in a scene of religious discrimination.

The incident occurred on 2nd August, when Ruppenjot Singh, 23, was apprehended by New York Port Authority officers whilst waiting for customers at Terminal 4. Officers were allegedly called by a dispatcher (person employed to arrange rides for cab drivers) when he spotted Singh’s kirpan on his waist, as is normal for Amritdharis.

After calling police, the dispatcher allegedly then claimed Singh was threatening him with the kirpan, something vehemently denied by Ruppenjot who is welcoming examining video footage of his exchange with the dispatcher. Police asked Singh to remove his kirpan and hand it over to them, which he refused to do as per standard practice of Amritdharis, who are mandated never to be without any of the punj kakkar (five ks). Singh also later revealed he was asked to remove his dastaar (Sikh turban), something which many Sikhs will deem as unnecessary humiliation and bigoted.

Ruppenjot Singh, who is working as a driver to put himself through college, said the incident was “discrimination” in speaking to CBS reporter Naveen Dhaliwal.

Speaking with police, in a scene partially caught on what is now viral video, Ruppenjot Singh emphasized his right to wear the kirpan, for which there is legal precedent – specifically the 1987 case of People vs Singh – that established a Sikh’s right to lawfully carry a kirpan. Despite this, authorities still say Singh faces charges Singh of menacing, harassment, and criminal possession of a weapon, saying this was based on “a threat of violence” and not merely Singh wearing the kirpan.

New York based Sikh community advocate Japneet Singh has helped coordinate legal support and advice for Ruppenjot. Speaking to media, Japneet Singh said “We want a complete dismissal of the charge. Second, we need a way to mandate some kind of religious-based training of diversity-based training for Port Authority as well as other city and state agencies.”

Via social media, Japneet also said he was “disgusted…we need to fight for our existence”, whilst calling on New York Mayor Eric Adams and other senior political figures of the city to intervene in the situation.

A “Rapid Response Call To Action” meeting was held on 4th August in nearby Sikh Center Gurdwara in South Richmond Hill to address the issue. With Ruppenjot Singh due back in court on 22nd August, an update on this situation is incoming.

Media inquiries- media@sikhpa.com.