Sarika Singh, 14, hit the headlines when Aberdare Girls’ Comprehensive School, Wales, refused to allow her to wear the ‘kada’ during school time, saying it violated the dress code.

Singh’s case, supported by the prominent human right organisation, Liberty, is currently awaiting hearing in the High Court in London. Until the case is heard, Singh has been allowed to attend another school within the same Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Education Authority area. In a statement, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “Sarika Singh is attending Mountain Ash Comprehensive School, pending the outcome of a High Court case. The school says they are happy for her to wear the kada.”

Cynon Valley MP Ann Clwyd has called upon governors at the Aberdare Girls’ School not to waste public money in fighting a case they cannot win. She said, “The advice I have received from fellow MPs, the Sikh Association and Liberty is that Sarika will win her case. There are legal precedents establishing Sikh pupils’ right to wear those items that are essential to their religion.”

“Boys, for example, have been allowed to continue to wear turbans, following court cases and there is no reason to believe that the courts ruling will be any different in Sarika’s case,” Anna Fairclough, Liberty’s legal officer, said, adding, “Nothing less than our traditions of religious freedom and racial tolerance are on trial in this case. Individuals from any religion who wish to express their faith should not be denied a proper education.”

Singh went to India in 2005 with her Indian-origin mother Sanita and was impressed by the Sikh religion during her visit to Amritsar. Since then she has insisted on wearing the Sikh religious symbol of ‘kada’.

Singh said, ‘We went to quite a lot of places during my visit to India, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which was just amazing. I became very interested in Sikh history and was inspired to follow the religion. The ‘kada’ is a very important Sikh symbol and a constant reminder to me to do good and that God is one. I am very disappointed that my school does not recognise my right to wear the kada.”