Sikh Court in London Addresses Concerns Over Women's Rights

In response to Pragna Patel’s opinion piece regarding the establishment of the first Sikh court in London, the court's representatives have clarified its operational framework and commitment to women's rights. Patel, a founding member of Southall Black Sisters, expressed concerns about the potential risks posed by religious courts to women's rights, drawing from her organization's extensive experience in advocating for these issues within the South Asian community. The Sikh court emphasizes that it is not a religious court but operates under a Sikh ethos, applying the laws of England and Wales to resolve disputes. The court's representatives acknowledge the safeguarding concerns associated with traditional patriarchal structures but assert that they have implemented robust safeguarding measures. These include a comprehensive policy developed in collaboration with women's rights charities, which is publicly accessible on their website. Community feedback has indicated a desire for representation on the bench, leading to a significant proportion of female judges—67%—within the Sikh court. The court aims to provide a more inclusive forum while recognizing ongoing efforts within the judiciary to enhance representation. Transparency and accountability are prioritized, with plans to publish anonymized statements of reasons for decisions made, allowing for public scrutiny. To further ensure oversight, the Sikh court is establishing an independent review panel and has invited Patel to engage with them, potentially joining the panel to foster dialogue and collaboration on women's rights issues.