In a landmark religious discrimination case, the Commission recently ordered the New York City Police Department to reinstate Jasjit Singh Jaggi, a traffic enforcement agent, and allow him to wear a turban while on duty. This is the first case in the nation where a law enforcement agency has been ordered to allow a Sikh to wear a turban while in uniform, performing enforcement duties.

Mr. Jaggi was represented by CCHR’s Law Enforcement Bureau Deputy Commissioner Avery Mehlman and staff attorney Natalie Holder-Winfield. The case was argued before Administrative Law Judge Donna R. Merris of the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings.

CCHR’s Final Decision and Order stated that the Sikh religion requires all adult males to wear a turban and does not permit them to wear a hat over or instead of a turban.