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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Aamna Mohdin Community affairs correspondent

Kirpans and UK knife law: what are the rules?

Hands hold a kirpan with decorated handle and black fabric strap against blue patterned clothing
A kirpan is a ceremonial sword or dagger that is one of the five articles of faith for practising Sikhs. Photograph: Jason Hetherington/Getty Images

The conviction of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak has sparked renewed discussion about kirpans, the ceremonial blades carried by some Sikhs as an article of faith.

The prosecution told the jury at Southampton crown court that while Digwa was wearing a small kirpan under his clothing around his neck, which met his religious obligation, he also chose to carry the much larger knife.

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