Tihar Jail Authorities Accused of Denying Advocate Access to Sikh Prisoners Due to Gatra-Kirpan
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, December 10, 2025: Sikh rights Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur has alleged that he was denied permission to meet Sikh detainees in Tihar Jail, Delhi, on International Human Rights Day (December 10, 2025) because he was wearing a small Gatra-Kirpan.
Manjhpur, who has been legally representing and visiting Sikh prisoners for over two decades, said that despite having a scheduled legal visitation, jail authorities blocked his entry at the gate, citing the ceremonial Kirpan as the sole reason.
He said the refusal was especially shocking because he had travelled to Delhi for the hearing of eight alleged “target killing” cases at the NIA Special Court in Patiala House, involving Hardeep Singh Shehra, Ramandeep Singh Bagga, and Jagtar Singh “Jaggi” Johal.
After meeting a witness earlier in the day, Manjhpur proceeded to Tihar for the legal meeting—but was stopped.
Manjhpur claimed that the Tihar Jail CPRO 1 prevented the meeting, and called the incident “shameful and unacceptable,” for Modi Government, Delhi Government of Rekha Gupta and Tihar Jail authorities, particularly on a day dedicated to human rights awareness.