Kirpan Rule ?

[kookar88]

wjkkwjkf ji

I was wondering whats the legal kirpan size allowed in U.K ???

anyone know the actualy act which tells the legal limit about kirpan ??

some policemen told me its 3 inch blade some said its 6 inch blade ... its all confusing..lol

thnku ji

[KHA15A]

wjkk wjkf

evry1 i askd sed it was 6 inches

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[1kAuR1]

WJKK WJKF

I dont actually know for sure, but I have checked the Offensive Weapons Act 06/ Criminal Justice Act 88 and both dont actually state a size.

As the kirpan is worn for religious reasons you should be able to explain why a certain length is required. E.g my brother is quite tall/big so he wears a nine inch as it fits his body. So you should have a reasonable excuse for the length.

Hope that helps.

WJKK WJKF

[kookar88]

thanks for the repleis ..

But, whats the actual Act or Rule called ???(like eg data protection Act)

[rupinder singh]

Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, which deals with carrying articles with points or blades, there is an exemption, if the person is carrying the item for religious reasons. There is however, no specific exemption under the Prevention of Crimes Act 1953. The person carrying the offensive weapon would have to show that they had a reasonable excuse. The inference being that the carrying of the Kirpan for religious reasons would fall into this category.

So depending on the circumstances a Police officer can arrest you for wearing a kirpan if he/she feels you are a threat, otherwise you are allowed to wear kirpans of any size.

The responsiblity lies with the Gursikh on how he/she portrays themselves when in Sikhi roop. Incidents where the kirpan is used in cheap gang fights (i.e Handsworth mela 2007) only causes more problems for other genuine Gursikhs who are trying to follow Rehat.

[rupinder singh]

Some more helpful info. The Criminal Justices Act 1988 mainly relates to carrying knives in public places, Section 139 being the most important.

"It is an offence for any person, without lawful authority or good reason, to have with him in a public place, any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed except for a folding pocket-knife which has a cutting edge to its blade not exceeding 3 inches." [CJA 1988 section 139(1)]

The phrase "good reason" is intended to allow for "common sense" possession of knives, so that it is legal to carry a knife if there is a bona fide reason to do so. Examples of bona fide reasons which have been accepted include: a knife required for ones trade (e.g. a chefs knife), as part of a national costume (e.g. a sgian dubh), or for religious reasons (e.g. a Sikh Kirpan).

[wjkk wjkf]

what about in canada - i'm goin this month and was wondering about the rules out there? Obviously on the plane its a no no, but when I land , as an amritdhari, gonna nedd my kirpan....

[singh_comradz]

firstly there isn't a specified size for kirpans, but that doesn't mean you should be wearing 3 footers on the streets. Usually any size up to 9 inches is acceptable.

secondly police officers aren't exactly the fountains of knowledge. many of them will probably not even know that you are a sikh!

[kookar88]

now thts proper info...lol

whanku all of u's jii

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