Kirpans in Courts
Kirpans can be worn by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs in certain Australian courts. Each state and territory has its own rules with respect to the carriage / wearing of the Kirpan within the relevant state courts. Federal courts also have their own rules. We have outlined below those publicly available rules applicable to the carriage of the Kirpan in court premises.
Kirpans in QLD District Court:
Kirpans can be worn by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs in the QLD District Court provided they:
have, where practicable, notified court security at least 24 hours in advance of arrival
declare that they are wearing a Kirpan to court security
undergo security screening as directed
ensure the Kirpan is sheathed and concealed at all times.
See attached Practice Direction Number 2 of 2017 for the District Court of Queensland. Practice directions are procedural guidelines issued by judges in the District Courts. The directions are designed to complement existing legislation, rules and regulations and may refer to issues including the use of the court precinct, appearances by practitioners and parties, and case management.
Kirpans in ACT courts and tribunals:
Kirpans can be worn by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs inside ACT courts and tribunals provided:
the blade is less than 7.5cm in length
both the blade and the tip are to be dull and unlikely to cause any injury during general handling
‘the Kirpan is to remain sheathed and secreted under clothing at all times while on court premises.
failure to comply with any of the requirements will result in them being either denied entry or removed from court premises.
Failure to comply with any of the requirements will result in them being either denied entry or removed from court premises.
See attached ACT Law Courts Security Screening and Conditions of Entry policy issued on 2 December 2024.
