Court reserves decision on Sidhak Singh Arora case

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has reserved its judgment on whether a Melbourne school discriminated against a five-year-old Sikh boy for wearing a patka - a small turban.

Sagardeep Singh Arora, his wife and United Sikhs Legal Director, Mejindarpal Kaur

Sagardeep Singh Arora, his wife and United Sikhs Legal Director, Mejindarpal Kaur Source: Photo SBS Punjabi

The three day hearing of Sidhak Singh Arora case came to an end on Wednesday with court reserving its decision on the judgement.

The legal case is being called a 'test case' for Victoria's Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Sagardeep Singh Arora claims he wasn't allowed to enrol his son Sidhak Singh into the Melton Christian College because of his patka.

The school says its uniform policy bans headwear to ensure neutrality and equality.
Victoria's Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission believes it's a case of "indirect discrimination".

The commission's head of legal and dispute resolution, Sarah Bendall, says it's an important test case for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
"We would encourage all schools to look at their polices and make sure they are compliant with the legislation.”
“There are exceptions which make it a little bit difficult for schools to interpret which is why it is important that the exceptions to discrimination are interpreted really carefully and we are really pleased that the matter has come before the tribunal today because it will provide clarity for how they operate for schools and for families," said Ms Bendall. 

Video - The family of 5-year-old Sidhak Singh is fighting for what they call his right to study in a Christian school.
Video: Melton Christian College’s principal David Gleeson told the VCAT that it is not breaching the Equal Opportunity Act as there is an exemption allowing it to enforce reasonable dress standards.
 to know the outcome of this 'test case', which may set precedent for the other Sikh families who are caught in a similar situation.

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2 min read
Published 27 July 2017 12:25pm
Updated 7 November 2018 2:48pm

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