The Supreme Court of India has addressed the issue of offensive jokes that target the Sikh community, particularly those mocking “Sardars.” The issue was brought to the court’s attention following a petition filed by Sikh lawyer Harvinder Chowdhury, who argued that these jokes perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine the dignity and equality of Sikhs.
The court recognized the potential social harm of such jokes, which are often dismissed as harmless by the public. It emphasized the need to balance freedom of expression with the protection of community dignity and is now considering whether the government should regulate online platforms to prevent the spread of these derogatory jokes. This marks an important step towards raising awareness and fostering greater sensitivity towards the Sikh community’s respect and rights​.
