Argument erupts over Kirpans inside store
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NEW DELHI, Feb 27
A video showing two Sikh men refusing to leave their ‘kirpans’ outside a store in Imphal, Manipur, has sparked an online debate. The clip has circulated widely on social media, drawing reactions from users across the country.
Reportedly, this incident occurred at a Zudio clothing outlet. The video, first uploaded by the YouTube channel Prabh Singh Talk, shows the men entering the store while carrying kirpans, the ceremonial daggers worn by Sikhs. The thumbnail of the upload read, “We are being harassed in India. Sikh banned in Zudio?”
Inside the store, security staff and the manager asked the men not to bring kirpans into the premises. The men refused and questioned whether the store was located in India. They argued that the Indian Constitution allows Sikhs to practise their religion and carry kirpans as part of their faith, and declined to leave the weapons outside.
Under Article 25 of the Constitution, Indians have the right to practise their religion. For Sikhs, this includes carrying a kirpan. However, private spaces and certain public areas may place restrictions on weapons for safety reasons. For example, Indian aviation rules limit the blade of a kirpan to six inches and the total length to nine inches on domestic flights.
The video sparked a range of responses online. Some users emphasised that the store staff were acting appropriately to ensure safety. One Reddit user pointed out the importance of following local rules, even when carrying religious symbols, “Honestly, the Zudio staff were completely in the right here. Even if carrying swords might be legal in India, a store has the right to set its own rules for safety. Given the current situation in Manipur, it’s understandable that they wouldn’t allow large weapons inside. This isn’t about religion or legality — it’s about safety and respecting local concerns. Everyone visiting a place should follow the rules of that place, no exceptions.”
Others acknowledged their own faith but agreed that public safety should come first. Another user shared, “I am a Sikh, and quite religious, and I 100% agree. If my beliefs are bringing discomfort to the general public, then I'd mend my beliefs.”
One person highlighted that rules inside stores exist for the protection of everyone, “I won't allow any weapons either, This is a private property it's for everyone's safety.”
Many netizens also reflected on experiences in their own communities. One mentioned the size of kirpans carried by friends in another city, “I have a few Punjabi friends in Guwahati who also carry their kirpan but not that big.”
Supporters of the men also spoke up, stressing the Constitutional protections for Sikhs. One user reminded others that the law allows kirpans of significant length, “India’s Constitution allows Sikhs to carry kirpans up to 3 feet everywhere in country…Mind your language and don't spread hatred.”
Another pointed out that accurate information is readily available online, “Constitution of India has given rights to Sikhs to carry kirpan, maybe the security isn't aware of the law, it's easy to find the reality in Google, it's clearly available in Google.” moneycontrol
A video showing two Sikh men refusing to leave their ‘kirpans’ outside a store in Imphal, Manipur, has sparked an online debate. The clip has circulated widely on social media, drawing reactions from users across the country.
Reportedly, this incident occurred at a Zudio clothing outlet. The video, first uploaded by the YouTube channel Prabh Singh Talk, shows the men entering the store while carrying kirpans, the ceremonial daggers worn by Sikhs. The thumbnail of the upload read, “We are being harassed in India. Sikh banned in Zudio?”
Inside the store, security staff and the manager asked the men not to bring kirpans into the premises. The men refused and questioned whether the store was located in India. They argued that the Indian Constitution allows Sikhs to practise their religion and carry kirpans as part of their faith, and declined to leave the weapons outside.
Under Article 25 of the Constitution, Indians have the right to practise their religion. For Sikhs, this includes carrying a kirpan. However, private spaces and certain public areas may place restrictions on weapons for safety reasons. For example, Indian aviation rules limit the blade of a kirpan to six inches and the total length to nine inches on domestic flights.
The video sparked a range of responses online. Some users emphasised that the store staff were acting appropriately to ensure safety. One Reddit user pointed out the importance of following local rules, even when carrying religious symbols, “Honestly, the Zudio staff were completely in the right here. Even if carrying swords might be legal in India, a store has the right to set its own rules for safety. Given the current situation in Manipur, it’s understandable that they wouldn’t allow large weapons inside. This isn’t about religion or legality — it’s about safety and respecting local concerns. Everyone visiting a place should follow the rules of that place, no exceptions.”
Others acknowledged their own faith but agreed that public safety should come first. Another user shared, “I am a Sikh, and quite religious, and I 100% agree. If my beliefs are bringing discomfort to the general public, then I'd mend my beliefs.”
One person highlighted that rules inside stores exist for the protection of everyone, “I won't allow any weapons either, This is a private property it's for everyone's safety.”
Many netizens also reflected on experiences in their own communities. One mentioned the size of kirpans carried by friends in another city, “I have a few Punjabi friends in Guwahati who also carry their kirpan but not that big.”
Supporters of the men also spoke up, stressing the Constitutional protections for Sikhs. One user reminded others that the law allows kirpans of significant length, “India’s Constitution allows Sikhs to carry kirpans up to 3 feet everywhere in country…Mind your language and don't spread hatred.”
Another pointed out that accurate information is readily available online, “Constitution of India has given rights to Sikhs to carry kirpan, maybe the security isn't aware of the law, it's easy to find the reality in Google, it's clearly available in Google.” moneycontrol