August 25, 2025 – The Global Sikh Council (GSC) has expressed grave concern over the treatment of Mr. Harjinder Singh, a Sikh truck driver currently facing legal proceedings in Florida, and has appealed directly to President Donald J. Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis to intervene.
While extending condolences to the families affected by the tragic accident involving Mr. Singh, the Council strongly condemned the decision to present him in court without his Dastar (turban). For Sikhs, the Dastar is not simply an item of clothing but a sacred article of faith and identity. The GSC stated that forcing a Sikh to appear in public without a Dastar is deeply humiliating and constitutes a violation of the fundamental right to religious freedom.
“The way Mr. Singh has been treated has caused deep anguish across the global Sikh community,” said Amrit Pal Singh Sachdeva, President of the Global Sikh Council. “The United States has a proud tradition of protecting liberty and equality, and Sikhs have long been accommodated in the military, law enforcement, and other institutions. That same respect must be upheld within judicial and correctional systems.”
The Global Sikh Council believes in the judicial process. The Council only asks that it be carried out with fairness, dignity, and respect for Mr. Singh’s religious identity. The way he has been treated has caused great anguish among Sikhs worldwide. GSC appeals to the U.S. administration to act promptly in upholding America’s proud tradition of religious freedom.
Yours sincerely,
Amritpal Singh Sachdeva
President, Global Sikh Council (GSC)
info@globalsikhcouncil.org
www.globalsikhcouncil.org
Reply From White House
