Such a shame.
I thought jewelery rules went out in the 1950' s along with British enforced colonialism (except the Falklands and BVI).
Sad to see England still pretends accomodation but only acts when someone catches them at blatant discrimination.
Dumb and dumber

william , montreal, CANADA

I am shocked and disgusted at the majority of the responses. I was the only Sikh and non white girl in a school of 600 and never had any problems with wearing my Kara and I remember all my friends wearing a crucifix pendant. Clearly schooling and education is on the decline in Britain what a shame

Tina Sagoo, Solihull,

Ridiculous. I have nothing against anyone's religion, I'm Hindu myself, but you moved country for a better life so you should abide by the UK law. Why should the law change for one religion just because they cry Racist?! If you can't accept the law, Move.

Seetal Udeshi, London, UK,

How sad and how diminished is Britain today.
The rules are made to suit the values of the dominant 'culture'. Narrow minded and ignorant.
I am glad I am Australian now and no longer British

Ash, Perth, Australia

What on earth is going on? When I was at school, a long time ago, the only jewellery allowed was 1 ring (with no stone). No ear-rings, no necklaces and no bangles. Rings removed for PE, metal/wood work, which boys and girls did. A very mixed school, with Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, Hindus etc.

SH, London, UK

Superstition, rational thought and Pandering...eh. British culture and its finest institutions are based around symbolism, the Cap Badges and motto of our are military regiments and the colours that we die for mean an awful lot to those that are willing to stand for something.

2Lt Singh, Gravesend, Kent

Who paid for all this: rather better to get on with education than lining lawyers pockets for frivilous cases. This is a school girl who does not agree with the school's dress, policy - the answer is to go elsewhere..

James, London, UK

This decision is completely wrong, and discriminatory. Laws should apply to everyone equally, or else be repealed. This decision establishes another privilege for religion. What special privileges are offered to atheists?

Religious neutrality is the only fair governmental position.

John S. Dearing, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

Did I miss something here? Wasn't there a recent court ruling that said that a crucifix cannot be worn. How is that it's acceptable for a Sikh to wear a religious device but not for a Christian? The same rules need to apply to all religious groups.

Nick Brearey, Damascus, USA

The 'fragmented society' begins in school with 'special' cases.

Keith, London, England

It's pretty clear to me that the bangle or topknot is a necessary aspect of their religion whereas a cross or ring or headscarf is not for other religions. No doubt there will now be further challenges from the insecure but more vocal parts of the other religions who think they're being left out.

David Jones, Loughborough, UK

Good decision!

So many comments tho leads me to think British tolerance is DEAD.

Our secular system is supposed to protect the rights and liberty of all.

It seems most secularists here can no-longer tolerate dissenting views and would have the state impose their atheistic beliefs on us all

Nathan, Cambridge, UK

As a westernised, integrated British born Sikh - and equally proud of both - I am appalled by the lack of perspective shown here. The point is that the school should have had the sagacity to deal with this issue itself. Was wearing a Kara was an issue for Sikh Soldiers fighting in WW2? I doubt it...

Harkamal, London,

What rubbish. Obey the school rules or go to another school.
So can Goths wear their clothing to school now ? what at about their rights to beleive whatever they want ?

roger, london,

It's nothing to do with religion/race - that's been put in for a sob story. It is a blatent disregard for the RULES. If she really badly needs to wear the bangle then she should have chosen a school that accepts it, rather than bulldoze the schools right to determine uniform and standards.

Joe, Bristol, UK

Would be interested in UK Sikh replies. Ages ago, read a UK Sikh businessman interview (had thought he founded 'Accessorize' chain? I might be wrong). Anyway, discussing 5 Ks, he said something like "I'm a modern Sikh. I wear the bangle (Kara), but don't carry the Kirpan ('dagger')". Non-mandatory?

Rich, London,

It is about time that the UK adopts the same secular model and dress codes that the French have in their school system. It doesn't affect their human rights but no doubt some woolly judge would find otherwise. Time to adorn the FSM (may he touch you with his noodley appendage) jewellery methinks.

Russ, Reading, UK

It's not a bangle/bracelet and it definitely is central to this religion. It is not a symbol advertising the religion to others, much like a sikh man's turban. It also isn't based on interpretations of religion like the muslim veil or hindu string and it certainly isn't oppresive

Richie, london,

Different beliefs think along completely different paths when it comes to how one expresses the faith and as long as it is peaceful and understanding and doesn't involve oppression and intolerance, surely we in this era of equality and respect for others' rights shouldn't stand in the way?

Richie, london,

I cannot comprehend the views which suggest that the verdict was made wrongly. It is ignorant to assume the superiority of 'school policy' over 'religious policy'. Even though we live in a secular society both types of law should work together and common sense should prevail.

Tariq Ali, London, England

She was born and bred in this country and is of mixed welsh and sikh heritage. It is sacrilegious to suggest that she has "come" to this country simply based on ethnicity. Under a totalitarian communist regime people do not have the right to freely practice their religion, but this is a democracy.

Richie, london,

Health and safety covers more than PE, it is important in all practical settings including craft work and 'cooking'. Safety is why only plain earrings should be worn and not hoops which can catch. I used to teach CDT and know how dangerous jewellery can be, a watch strap fits closely to the wrist.

Mary, Derby, England

How ridiculous that is went as far as it did . What has happened to common sense in this country ? I don't personally think exceptions should be made on religious grounds but surely some compromise could have been reached ?

Mark, Hull,

Disgraceful. Her "beliefs" are hers, they do no comply with the school's. Why are her beliefs above theirs? If a child was a satanic worshipper, required to wear a vile of as a necklace, is that OK? If not, why not?

Oh, and I notice the girl has pierced ears. That's against the sikh religion.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

"You come to the UK, accept the UK's Laws"
Graham, Moelfre, UK
I think you might be missing the point there. There is no law outlawing jewellry, that is school policy. There are several laws criminalising discrimination on the basis of religion. The school acted unlawfully, hence the verdict.

Lauren, London,

Kam Singh Rahal, London, I send my children to school and encourage them to follow the rules like everybody else, not to expect special dispensations for any religion/beliefs/attitudes or otherwise, and to be grateful for a good education, an inspiration for good, honorable, british values.

Lisa, Bridlington,

Does this mean that a child who is a member of the Jedi now has the right to carry a fully functioning light sabre to school?

Stephen, St. Ives, England

Race relations? I thought Sikhism was religion.
Know she's won her right to wear her karaa we should of course insist she conforms with the other 4 k's.

matt, dartford, uk

There seems to be a lot of 'christian crucifix posts' for those of you who are atheists leave your own beliefs out of it,Sikhism is not a missionary faith,it doesnt seek converts.Back to the crucifix question,did Jesus tell his followers that they must wear a crucifix?NO,you cannot comapre the 2.

Sukhbir Singh, London,

So, wrist watches are OK, but not her "bangle"? I am confused.

David Polk, Ottawa, Canada

The judge should have thrown the case out of court and heavily fined the parents wasting his and the court's time. There are a lot more important issues to be dealt with than a school with a dress code. That school should appeal on health and safety grounds, as the H & S would come down heavily on

Chris, Shrewsbury,

You come to the UK, accept the UK's Laws

Graham, Moelfre, UK

"Another victory for ignorance, superstition and brain-washing.
I'm thinking of getting a similar bangle for myself and having it engraved with "Say No to Mumbo Jumbo!"."

Absolutely Right - yet another example of the lunatics running......

Roy, Newtown, UK

I have work colleagues of Sikh background (some of whom are believers, some not) who wear a bangle as an engagement symbol, in place of the ring that those of Christian background wear. If the school forbids all forms of jewellery, including rings, then it is not being discriminatory.

Paul, Coventry,

Welsh tomorrow when it suits the occasion no doubt.

wayne, huntingdon, cambridgeshire

Jewelry is jewelry and a ban is a ban. But seriously -- they were teaching her separately and escorting her to the ladies' room? What was that supposed to accomplish??? I can't find a horse to back in this race -- both side are hysterical. (Let's also stop conflating race with religion, please.)

Priscilla, NY, London,

I love you "Sardarni Jee" for fighting and winning this war of common sense.

Nadeem, Woodbridge, USA

Is there anywhere left in this world where us anti-theists and atheists can live to avoid the insanity of religion (irrespective of name)?

Bill, Birmingham, UK

I believe that the School act irresponsibly when they excluded her from regular class environment by isolating her and then expelling her. A kara was not necessarily going to be intrepreted as a religious item, because it is a bangle, but now it will be. At least it is not a daggers.

Naleen Lal, Northern California,

It seems that only people who want to wear crosses are restricted. Imagine that....

Britain is so messed up. How could this have happened in just a generation.

Lori, Toronto, Canada

Outrage that a sikh girl is given the right to wear a religious bangle as an expression of her faith. . . i wonder how many people would be complaining if this was a christian girl who had won the right to wear a crucifix. . . probably none! think about it!

Gary , Crawley,

To every one theres a difference between the Kara and General jewelry.
For those confused as part of Sikhism the KARA NOT BANGLE AS THE MEDIA PUT IT!!!!!!! is compulsory.

jay, Liverpool, England

Ramesh, I think you will find some schools have taken issue with children wearing crosses for fear of offending followers of other religions. The reason that so many people react angrily is the marginalisation of Christianity for others. This inconsistency understandably causes anger.

James Cullup, Oxford,

This is a christian country, is it not?
Ian M Jones, Reading, UK

No it's NOT - it's a secular country, where (as Bill Bailey puts it) if pushed most people will write Jedi on their Census form

dij, leicester,

People making comments seem to be jealous. If you want to wear a cross go ahead and make your point like this girl did.

sigma, New Port, USA

Nik - the purity ring was judged not to be a requisite for Christianity; ie, it's not part of her religion to wear it, but is the non-essential symbol of a decision she made based on her religious beliefs. It is completely different and entirely irrelevant to this instance.

Katy, London,

Frank Madigan from Canada ---> Woweee indeed! A bangle (which it ISN'T, its a KARAA), or multiple wives & mutilation! I love the severity of them all, especially the "bangle", being stated in the same sentence as the other particularly unpleasant habits that Sikh people in general do NOT PRACTISE!

P Singh, Wolverhampton, UK

Another ridiculous judgement putting religion above the state.
What if carrying a gun or a knife (ceremonial of course) is central to someone's religious belief?
Tolerance should mean accepting that someone believes what they like AT HOME. Religion should pander to the state, not visa versa.

Matt, Ilford, UK

This type of decision and the comments above are my main objection to Human Rights Legislation. It puts the judiciary into the position of making subjective legal interpretations. Maybe individually correct, but often far removed from the general population's understanding.

Gerry Lynch, Chichester, UK

schools should teach their pupils that religion and religious symbols are dangerous, divisive and faintly ridiculous.

no doubt there's a few people out there claiming knives are part of their religion too.

jem, london, uk

So will Sikh schoolchildren be permitted to carry the all important knife as well?
I demand the right to wear iron symbols of atheism.

dei, UK,

Great day for Sikh girls, now I hope the boys will fight their battle in UK courts to carry the "dagger" which is also a compulsory item to carry in sikhism. Here is an interesting article-

"A Canadian Sikh boy wins the right to carry a ceremonial dagger at school" -- BBC News

jayil, london, uk

A symbol of faith in public is wrong when only a select few are allowed to wear it! By allowing this girl to wear the bangle we are consequently discriminating against other pupils who wish to wear what they want albeit for religious reasons or otherwise.

Ali Tinker, Berkshire, England

This is not a bangle and it is not jewelry it is a KARA an iron bangle, worn by both male and female baptized Sikhs is one of the five kakars - external articles of faith that identify a Sikh as dedicated to the religious order.
However Sarika is by no means a representative of the the Sikh faith.

Ravinder Singh Ubhi, Birmingham, UK

Another victory for ignorance, superstition and brain-washing.
I'm thinking of getting a similar bangle for myself and having it engraved with "Say No to Mumbo Jumbo!".

David T, Exeter, Devon

Hang on a second!!! What about that girl that had the purity ring which was religious but, the high court said that it was out-of-uniform and unreligious? Was it because she was white? If so and I was that girl then I would be challenging the ruling that I was given!!!!

Nik, london, UK

I am sikh and I am dumbfounded why this was such a big issue? What is wrong with wearing a kara? Its been a tradition for sikhs even in the UK for over a hundred year's.

It shows how many steps back we have taken as a society rather than forward when we have to, as a minority group...

avtar singh, Kota Kinabalu, malaysia

Much ado about nothing. I find most of the comments made here fairly intolerant. A bangle worn by a Sikh girl is a mark of her religious identity. Nobody disputes the right of a Christian to wear a cross in school. I wish Sarika had kept her bangle at home while going to school.

Ramesh Parida , Delhi , India

Frankly, aren't there bigger issues to address in our school systems? Maybe UK schools have it more together than US schools, but we need to focus on academics, not isolation of students for religious beliefs.

Andrew, Kansas City, USA

Many of you are confusing the issue.. your anger should not be aimed at her, but at those who make the rules. Indeed her family should be an inspiration for how to honourably push for a religious belief that poses no danger to anyone else…..

Kam Singh Rehal, London, UK

Why is a symbol of faith in public so wrong? All kids will learn about RE and work with people of different faiths so this idea of ‘protection’ is ridiculous. Wat exactly are you protecting them from? Learning about what is important to other people? Well if so well lets ban footy tops at lunchtime!

Kam Singh Rehal, London, UK

Safety (another issue cited by a number of people here) is also a mute point as the young girl has of course agreed (as all Sikhs do!) to remove her Kara when she does PE etc…

Kam Singh Rehal, London, UK

And Mr Skelton: Please do not try and fabricate links between a Sikh girl in Wales and the consequences of picking the wrong horse (Fanatical ISLAM in the 80’s) there is no link as these are totally separate religions, and that is an extremely unfair comment.

Kam Singh Rehal, London, UK

Don’t confuse the issues guys…… direct your anger at the courts not at a little person pushing those same courts for her belief!

‘Protection’ from the symbolism of a Kara, hahaha In the age were most kids have unfettered access to the worldwide web…..ridiculous!!!

Kam Singh Rehal, London, UK

in this aspect the Kara(bangle) is part of the 5 articles within the Sikh faith ,the cross is not mandatory within the christian faith
www.sikhnet.com for general info

Rajinder, London, UK

Religion really has lost its way.
How can a wrist bangle be "central" to ones beliefs?
Ah well, its a case of mountains and molehills again.

Curtis, Harrow,

Judges in this case are wrong.

When will religions and religious beliefs stop telling me what I have to accept in society.

Wear the bangle at home or allow multi wives and mutilation. All part of some people's religion and religious beliefs.

Frank Madigan, Capreol, Canada

My son is a devout follower of Mr T
Will he now win a case concerning the 15 gold chains he wears?

Jack, Chalk Farm,

I am going to invent a religion in which it is compulsory for all members to have a Vespa motor scooter attached to their right wrist at all times, even when in class at school.

Seems you can get away with anything these days on the basis that it is 'religious'.

Paul, Toronto, Ontario

Well its all eyes on the Government then. If our courts are going to over rule the sensible and fair ruling of a School's Headteacher then we need a clear set of guidelines on wearing religious symbols everywhere. If no one is allowed to wear any symbols, no one can be discriminated against.

Jon, Northallerton, UK

Sarika would rather uphold her own personal traditions than follow the traditions and culture of the school that she has chosen. Another child of the "it's all about me me me" society.

It's a bangle = it's jewellery = it's not allowed in school hours.

alison, Edinburgh, UK

I'm confused, the article says "...because of its strict dress code, which prohibits any religious symbols..." which the bangle appears to be. What would happen if someone wanted / needed to wear similar attached to a different faith - it's still a religious symbol. But I'm impressed and encouraged.

pooky, Reading, UK

Ridiculous

Tom, Bristol,

Peter, I totally disagree. Schools should have the right to enforce uniform rules and not pander to children's wants, religious or otherwise. A ruling like this will further undermine the authority of schools no doubt resulting in even less discipline amongst children.

Tess, London, UK

I'm very pleased that I am leaving this country, it's becoming more p.c. by the minute. Miss Singh is either Welsh or punjabi and I am sick of the double standards. Also, she shouldn't have a bangle to remind her to behave well!

Gillian, Southampton,

Well why dont we just roll over & tell anyone wanting to come to this country, not to integrate, but change it to how you want it!
When I last looked, I saw a Christian country. Ok, I may not be that religeous, but the 10 commandments are not a bad set of rules to live by.
BNP for me!

Pete, St Albans, England

How awful - special rules for special people, what a moronic decision. I bet the taxpayer funded her court costs - what a disgraceful waste of money. If she gets injured because of her bangle, then I hope that the school will not be liable. This sort of special treatment encourages school bullying.

Peter, Chelmsford, UK

I bet if this had been a crucifix it wouldn't have been allowed.

judy, Liverpool, England

"......one of the defining focal symbols of being a Sikh,"

And the wearing of the crucifix is not the defining symbol of Christianity at British Airways? Explain to me the logic?

Another ageing judicial idiot who cannot get his ducks in a row with his professional peers.

Steve, Stansted, UK

The school were right. It is jewelry.

michael clarke, High Wycombe, UK

This is a disastrous legal decision. Religion has no place in gov't finded schools.

Religion and religious symbols only foster overt, meaningless differences between people.

The wall between religion and the state has just come down further and it's a slippery slope from here...

James, London, UK

Does the school also forbid the wearing of eg crucifixes? If so and this is accepted, the judgement is wrong and should be seen to be what is an obvious political interpretation. We are in danger along with other countries of allowing religious fundementalism of all sorts to invade our society!

bill, cornwall,

I hope the school appeals the decision. This is not what the majority of people in Britain want.

Gareth, London,

a mountain is being made of a molehill

Dev, perth, australia

The school were really stupid in the first place, I have not heard of any problems of pupils being excluded from England schools by wearing the bangle.

Mike Damain, Notts,

Nice one.......a bangle or any other piece of jewelry should not be a problem as it's not immediately obvious - but a veil is as it's conveys coercement / restriction of one sex within a cult.
The French likened it to a prison.....

Phil, Preston,

Absolute tosh! Where does it stop how much jewelery do you think kids should wear at school? This case may be bona fide but how many kids do you think will use it as an excuse?

Then there is the small matter of a suspended british airways employee who chose to wear the cross of jesus....

Matt G, gillingham, UK

I wonder if the ruling will apply when it comes to participating in school PE. Will she be asked to remove all her jewellery in the interests of health and safety which is the usual practice or will she refuse to remove the bangle?

Zoe Carrick, Glasgow,

The school had set a clear policy for all to avoid any favourtism or bias. This was clear from the start, yet the ruling flies in the face of earlier rulings which have banned other religious imagery being worn. All schools and businesses now have to rewrite their policies on dress.

David , London, UK

Well done our judiciary again, yet another nail in the coffin of law and order. If the school rules said no bangles when she applied for entry then she should have gone to another school that allowed them. No wonder less and less of our youth have respect for rules and discipline.

Tony R, Lee-on-the-Solent,

A bangle is not "central" to any religion. It is simply a simbol. They were not stopping her from praying, believing or proselitising, only from wearing a bracelet. It's time for Britain to get real and stop all this nonsense!

Michael, Birmingham,

Discrimination is treating on person or group of people differently to everyone else. This scholl rule applied to all pupils so in what way is this discriminatory. Another example of UK law gone mad

Grant Stretch, Guildford, Surrey

Keep religion out of schools. What a waste of time, effort and money for all concerned. Think of all the needless problems we have had with education/religion up here.

She should be grateful she is getting the benefit of an education instead of undermining it.

T Watson, Alloa, Scotland

Perhaps now Christians will be allowed to freely wear a cross or crucifix or other item bearing the cross symbol, which reminds them that Christ has died for their sins on the cross at Calvary and that they have been 'washed in the blood of the Lamb of God'

Alan, Kirknewton, Scotland

Total and utter nonsense as well as a waste of taxpayers money. It appears that any immigrant community or religious sect can get what they want, but if you are Anglo-Saxon Christian forget it. This stupidity and changing of our rules and customs creates tremendous resentment.

Richard , Nottingham,

I hope the school appeals this terrible decision.
It's a dangerous path to follow when backward religous symbolism wins in a case against common sense.

Ian , Newcastle Upon Tyne,

School policies should be implemented with consistency. This is neither disrespectful or discriminatory to the religious. In a secular school exceptions should not be made to differentiate anybody.

Ali Tinker, Berkshire, England

Was there ever going to be any other outcome?. Discrimination on religious grounds applies to all religions, except, of course, when it comes to Christians wearing small crosses either at work or in school. Then such discrimination is not applicable. And we wonder why the BNP is gaining support.

paul, birmingham, uk

She'll not be quite so happy when the bangle gets caught in the buffer machine in her Craft and Technology department. I doubt the schools are trying to suppress religion, more to protect themselves from parents threatening legal action.

julian, shrewsbury, uk

Lets admit it; Blinded by insane Christian American rightists we made the wrong call in the early 1980s. We should have backed the secular socialist government in Afghanistan against the murderous Islamic mujahadeen. Russians are rightly laughing at our reaping the whirlwhind.

Eric Skelton, Cardiff, Wales

You can always rely on the courts to support the rights of every religion except Christianity.

kerry livermore, London, England

all amulets charms potions and rabbits feet should be banned in schools.

m farkle, sheffield, s yorkshire

Shocking. Both that she needs a bracelet to remind herself to behave and that yet again, mythology and dogma win the day. Not only that, as I understand it, this isn't even proscribed dogma but more akin to an optional extra.

Neil W, Redruth, Cornwall, UK

"Mrs Singh added that the case had been "traumatic for the whole family""

All that.. over a BANGLE?? The religious truly are insane..

Owen, London, UK

This is a landmark ruling which has a potential for a boom, far-reaching impacts on the increasing social challenges of the liberal Britain. All said, I believe the sanctity of the academic environment should be guarded and protected especially for our growing children.

olumide kehinde, port harcourt, nigeria

Surely it is totally insane that this issue had to go to court to be resolved? What ever happned to good sound judgment and common sense?

Garth Rex, Glendale Heights, USA

So a judge dictates that the will of a school community of 600 is trumped by a single one of its members. This is the antithesis of democracy. Overthrow the rule of law. Replace with the rule of the people, the democratic majority. That's democracy. This is dictatorship.

Terry, London, UK

Yet another chip cut away from common sense, all in the name of superstitious nonsense. Chip - chip - chip - chip... Do you know what that sound is? It's the sound of Britain breaking up.

Joes Soap, London,

Why is a sikh girl allowed to wear a symbol of her faith to school but a christian not allowed to wear a cross to work. This is a christian country, is it not?

Ian M Jones, Reading, UK

Well now, we won't be having any more of "you can't wear that Cross" then, will we?

Jack, Glasgow,

good, the school was being stupid and bloody-minded- she was always going to win

peter c, devizes, wessex

It is about time that our society stopped pandering to religious groups and giving them special exemptions from the rules. We should be applying rational thought, not superstitious rubbish.

sally marshall, bristol,

Common sense prevailing at last, the school should be ashamed of their actions.

Pav, leeds,

Congratulations to the High Court for arriving at a good decision in this case. The schools' conduct offends sensibilities on several levels. Their priority must be to educate pupils. How can they inculcate the values of liberty, tolerance and inter-faith harmony while discriminating thus?

Austin, London, UK