IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT.pdf

## Complaint Summary

Parties:

This lawsuit is brought by three Sikh individuals (Plaintiffs Kanwar Bir Singh, Harpal Singh, and A.S.G., a minor) against several high-ranking officials within the U.S. military and Department of Defense (Defendants Lieutenant General James C. McConville, Secretary Ashton Carter, Acting Secretary Patrick J. Murphy, and the Departments of Defense and Army).

Claims:

Plaintiffs allege religious discrimination based on their Sikh faith. Specifically, they contend that the U.S. Army unreasonably restricts Sikh soldiers from serving with unshorn hair and wearing turbans, in violation of both Department of Defense (DoDI) regulations and the Army Regulation (AR). They argue that these restrictions are not necessary to mission accomplishment and constitute impermissible discrimination based on religion.

Factual Background:

Sikhism requires its adherents to keep their hair uncut and wear a turban as part of their religious beliefs. Despite this, the U.S. Army has historically banned beards and specific head coverings, effectively preventing Sikhs from serving openly with their religious attire. However, recent years have seen some Sikh soldiers granted accommodations to serve while maintaining their religious practices.

Legal Arguments:

Plaintiffs assert that:

The DoDI explicitly states a commitment to accommodate religious expression within the military.
The Army Regulation allows for religious accommodations as long as they do not adversely affect mission accomplishment.
Observant Sikhs have successfully served in the U.S. military and other countries' militaries, demonstrating that their religious practices do not hinder performance.
The current restrictions on Sikh soldiers are discriminatory and violate their right to free exercise of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Relief Sought:

Plaintiffs seek declaratory judgment that the Army's policies violate their constitutional rights, injunctive relief requiring the Army to accommodate Sikh religious practices, and attorney's fees and costs. They also request a jury trial.