This is not the first time Indians are denied their natural rights in Australia. Be it students or civilians anyone of Indian origin wont be left alone to practice their natural rights in Australia. A sikh man was denied entry into a hotel in Australia owing to his religious custom of wearing the turban. He refused to take off the turban and the hotel staffs argued that they had a no head wear policy. This incident came into light when a person called the ABC radio and informed about this episode that his daughter and few friends went to ROYAL ENGLISH Hotel and one of them was asked to leave for he had a turban. When the person tried to explain that it was not a hat but a turban the hotel staff responded negatively and told “whatever you are wearing you have to remove”. The hotel authorities have been trying to contact this patron to render their apologies. But was unsuccessful in doing so, as they couldn’t contact him. The hotel management said that our hotel has a policy where the patron may be asked to remove their head wear to help the venue manage security for staff and patrons. The hotel staffs are being educated again on correct application of this policy.

A leader of Brisbane’s Indian Community said the eviction was an isolated incident.

Umesh Chandra, who is president of the global organization of people of Indian origin and the publisher of the of Brisbane’s Indian times said the turban is a respected headwear. He said he had not heard of any incidents where Sikhs wearing turbans on licensed premises have been asked to remove their headwear. Even in police force the turban is widely respected and allowed to be worn by policemen. In Australia, this is an isolated incident.

Queensland Hotels Association chief executive Justin O’connor said hotels had the right to set dress standards and refuse entry or service to anyone who did not comply with their code or breach responsible service of alcohol law.

“As long as it’s not in breach of the anti-discrimination act then they can set a dress code” O’connor said, adding “I’m not sure where the turban fits in”.

The point to be noted is that turban is not a dress code it is a religious customary practice, one cannot include it in the ambit of a dress code. This will cause a violation of the Right to freedom of religion. Australia doesn’t have any official laws and people are at liberty to practice any religion as far as it doesn’t violate any other laws

In Australia it has become a common practice of exploiting students and civilians of Indian origin. In this particular case, wearing a turban has not violated any “Lex Loci” but, there definitely is Human Rights and international rights violation. As, Mr.connor said in this particular case it may not be the breach of anti-discrimination act but Australia has a record of cases where the Indians are brutally discriminated.

INDIAN SIKH DENIED ENTRY IN AN AUSTRALIAN HOTEL OWING TO HIS TURBAN

Report by Asha Mathew